Great Barrington PD's Therapy Dog, Officer Beko, to be Sworn in 9/25, 2 p.m.

The Great Barrington Police Department is holding a "swearing in" ceremony for its new therapy dog, Officer Beko (@k9bekogbpd) on Friday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at the police station.

Beko is the first therapy dog to join a police department in the Berkshires. In Great Barrington, he is another resource in the department's community policing efforts, which also include a staff mental health professional who is available to assist police on calls.

Beko is a 16-week old black Lab, with more than 1,000 followers on Instagram, @k9bekogbpd. He works with Officer Kris Balestro.

Beko's training, certification and care are funded by donations from the local community.