K-9 Frankie is the newest recruit at the Bristol Police Department, but she’s no ordinary police canine.

 

She’s part of a new trend in law enforcement across Connecticut: K-9s serving as support dogs. Instead of sniffing out drugs or tracking down suspects, Frankie’s role focuses on community engagement and supporting victims. She’s also helping with officer wellness by supporting the police officers themselves.

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Frankie was trained by the non-profit Puppies Behind Bars, which works with prisons in New York and New Jersey to train support dogs for war veterans, first responders and police departments. From eight weeks old, each puppy lives with their incarcerated “puppy raiser” for two years while learning more than 80 specialized commands.

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Gilbert Molina, a former puppy raiser who’s now an instructor, raised three puppies during his time at a correctional facility. He felt proud as each puppy graduated, like a parent watching their child go to college. “It gives you a sense of value, of worth, of responsibility,” he said. “You have an opportunity for a second shot at life.” There are 15 Puppies Behind Bars dogs working with police departments across Connecticut, more than any other state, the agency says.

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Last year, Gould, the Bristol police chief, saw the power of these support dogs first-hand when tragedy struck his force. On Oct. 12, Sgt. Alex Hamzy and Lt. Dustin DeMonte were attacked and killed in an ambush as they responded to a 911 call.

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Their deaths sent shockwaves throughout the state, and especially among Bristol police colleagues and families.

As soon as they heard the news, 10 Puppies Behind Bars dogs working in other police departments, and their handlers, rushed to Bristol to offer support and comfort.

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​Read the full story for Connecticut Public Media, 2023 

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Listen below to hear the story told for Connecticut Public Radio

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