Needham Settles On Name For Police Dog

NEEDHAM, MA — Last week, Needham police introduced the new police dog to the community but had yet to pick out a name. Leaving it up to the community, police gave residents one week to name the Golden Retriever puppy. The name they came up with? Rocket.

Named after the Needham High School mascot, Rocket will be the town's first Community Service Dog. To unveil the name, the department released a video on Facebook showing the pup run and play around Needham High School. At the end, the pup ends up in front of the rocket sign and his name is revealed.

The school mascot name is fitting since lots of Rocket's work includes working in the schools.

The pup's main job includes helping to de-escalate situations, engaging with vulnerable and withdrawn members of the community, interacting with community members suffering from mental health or stress issues, comforting victims and witnesses of violence and promote police-community engagement.