On Friday, May 10th, Moody Elementary in Middletown, CT, witnessed a heartwarming and educational event that brought together the spirit of community and the power of inclusion. Best Buddies collaborated with the Hometown Foundation’s Project Blue Paw to offer a unique and interactive experience for the students, fostering a deeper understanding of the vital roles police K-9s play in our society and highlighting the importance of inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Bridging Communities with Project Blue Paw

Project Blue Paw, an initiative of the Hometown Foundation, aims to educate youth about the responsibilities and significance of police K-9s, with a special focus on communities that include individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program not only enlightens children about the essential roles these dogs perform but also strengthens community bonds by promoting understanding and respect.

Meeting the Heroes: Officers and Their K-9 Partners

At Moody Elementary, students had the exciting opportunity to meet two dedicated officers and their remarkable K-9 partners from the Middletown Police Department. Officer Bodell and K-9 Bear, along with Officer Capozzo and K-9 Kylo, made a lasting impression on everyone they met.
Bear, a service dog, offers invaluable support to trauma victims and PTSD survivors, providing comfort and a sense of security. Kylo, an evidence dog, plays a crucial role in investigations by assisting in the detection and collection of evidence. Both dogs, with their distinct specializations, exemplified the diverse capabilities and critical roles of police K-9s.

An Interactive and Educational Experience

The event began with a meet-and-greet session where Best Buddies students had the chance to interact one-on-one with Bear and Kylo. This hands-on experience allowed the children to ask questions, learn about the specific duties of each dog, and understand the unique contributions they make to the community. The officers shared insights into the rigorous training and daily responsibilities of their K-9 partners, emphasizing the dedication and teamwork required in their line of work.

Lessons in Inclusion and Support

A key takeaway for the students was the realization that, just like people, each service dog has a unique role and specialty. This understanding parallels the mission of Best Buddies, which is to support and uplift individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering a community where everyone’s abilities and contributions are valued

A School-Wide Celebration

The event culminated in a lively assembly attended by the entire school, with 400 enthusiastic students gathering to witness a special demonstration of Bear and Kylo’s skills. The assembly showcased the dogs’ impressive abilities, from locating hidden objects to providing emotional support, leaving the students in awe of their capabilities and dedication.

The demonstration was more than just an exhibition of skills; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, support, and inclusion. The students left the assembly feeling inspired, empowered, and protected by their K-9 heroes, ready to carry forward the lessons of empathy and support in their daily lives.

A Call to Action: Bringing Project Blue Paw to Your Chapter

The success of the event at Moody Elementary is a testament to the positive impact that collaborative initiatives like Project Blue Paw can have on communities. By bringing together law enforcement, service animals, and educational programs, we can create environments that foster understanding, respect, and inclusion.

If you are interested in bringing Project Blue Paw to your chapter, please reach out to Kady Allen at kadyallen@bestbuddies.org. This program offers a unique opportunity to educate and inspire students, promoting a culture of support and inclusion that extends beyond the classroom.

Go Moody Elementary!

The event at Moody Elementary was a shining example of how community collaboration can create meaningful and lasting impacts. The students not only learned about the critical roles of police K-9s but also embraced the values of inclusion and support championed by Best Buddies.

As we celebrate the success of this event, we are reminded of the power of community and the importance of working together to create a safer, friendlier, and more inclusive world. The students of Moody Elementary have shown us that, with the right support and inspiration, every child can become a hero in their own right, just like Bear and Kylo.

Go Moody Elementary! Your spirit of inclusion and community is truly inspiring. Let’s continue to support each other and create a world where everyone feels valued and included.