SHARON, MA — Cleo is entering the new school year with a new credential.
The community resource dog officially graduated from a program with Professional Canine Services, the Sharon Police Department announced Monday. Cleo and School Resource Officer Giovani Valmond will visit Sharon Public Schools to provide comfort and positive interactions with students.
The Sharon Select Board approved reactivating the town's Community Resource Dog Program in February. The $8,500 cost included training and equipment, with the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office covering $7,000, according to meeting minutes.
Valmond told the board that the dog would work in schools, the Sharon Adult Center and nursing homes. Cleo joined the Police Department in March after residents selected her name through a community contest.
The Sharon High School website identifies Cleo as Valmond's police resource dog. Valmond's duties include building relationships with students and staff, supporting school safety and serving as a liaison between the district and Police Department.
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