Newton Police Welcome New Community Resource Puppy

NEWTON, MA — Newton Police Community Resource Officer Justin Liu officially has a new partner, an 8-week-old English Cream Golden Retriever.

The new puppy, who is being called "Officer Green" for the time being because of his green collar, still needs a forever name. The city is asking residents to contribute name suggestions by Friday, Sept. 24 and Officer Green's name will be announced shortly after.

"The Police Reform Task Force recommended a community resource dog from GOFI [Golden Opportunities for Independence]," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement. "GOFI is a nonprofit organization that breeds, raises and trains service dogs and community resource dogs, including for the Wellesley and Brookline police departments."

Following the naming process, Officer Green will go through about 18 months of training, during which he will be taught to provide comfort in difficult situations, assist in finding people who are lost or missing, and be out in the community with his partner meeting people and making friends. He will not be retained as an attack dog or to sniff for drugs.

"The Community Resource Dog will be trained to instinctively lie down with people who may need solace in times of stress or tragedy and to assist in diffusing high anxiety during tense and stressful situations," said Fuller. "He’ll also calm the vulnerable and provide assistance with social and emotional health with children. Within NPD, the Community Resource Dog will also assist and support officer health and wellness."

To suggest a name for Officer Green, email puppy@newtonma.gov.