Randolph Police Chief William Pace and Town Manager David Murphy announce the formation of the Randolph Police Emotional Support Unit as an additional service the police department will provide to those who need comfort and support in times of crisis. Therapy dogs around the nation have a proven track record of helping people cope with very difficult situations.
Many people know how useful dogs can be in police work. Often a police K-9’s main focus is to apprehend offenders, locate lost children and elders or to sniff out contraband such as drugs or guns. Randolph Police have begun to train “Larry” a six month old standard poodle to serve in its newly formed Emotional Support Unit. Technically, Larry will receive his training as a therapy dog to assist the victims of crime, traumatized children or anyone else that just needs some emotional attention.
“Children can be subjected to some very scary things, they can witness domestic violence or be a crime victim themselves” Randolph Police Chief William Pace said. “Our hope is that Larry will provide some comfort to those in need”, he added. Randolph Police believe “Larry” will become an invaluable tool to break down barriers and connect even closer to the people of Randolph. We envision “Larry” visiting schools, senior housing, and community events or reaching out to those who may need him most in times of crisis. Therapy dogs are very useful in serving people with disabilities as well.
Larry is currently being trained in basic obedience and will be introduced to the community at the annual “Night before the 4th” parade. After having graduated from obedience training on July 1st he has earned the Canine Good Citizen Certification from the American Kennel Club. Larry will receive further training in therapy dog work. “We expect the process to take some time, but Larry is a very good natured dog and I believe his training will go smoothly”, Randolph Police Chief William Pace said.
Larry was trained at Canine College and Bow Wow Resort in Holbrook under the supervision of Robin Billings, her mother Karen and her brother Bruce at the kennel they have owned for almost a half century. “I think Larry will make a very lovable addition to the Randolph Police Department and he definitely has the temperament for this type of work”, she said. Robin trained her first dog at the age of 5 and has been showing dogs since the age of 11 and has trained hundreds of dogs over the years.