By ALEX MALM

When Sgt. Bill Castaldi  was a School Resource Officer at Toll Gate High School about six years ago he had a vision of having a companion dog for the school.

Castaldi spoke to his supervisor at the time who told him to get to work crafting a proposal. Castaldi did his research, spoke to his wife and three kids and then submitted the proposal.

Now six years later, three changes in administrations, and having had multiple different positions within the police department Castaldi is the handler for Charley a black lab.

Charley was sworn in recently by Mayor Frank Picozzi. On April 11 Charley came home with Castaldi. Before heading back to his house Castaldi made a pit stop at police headquarters.

“It was like an instant attraction,” said Castaldi.

Castaldi said that he thinks Charley will be able to help bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. He expects Charley to accompany him at different community events and  make positive contacts with “everybody and anybody from all walks of life.”

For example, he said when he walks Charley in front of the police station, he notices people stop to ask about her and he is able to connect with the people who are at the station for various reasons.

Castaldi said that Charley recently visited the Norwood branch of the Warwick Boys and Girls Clubs.

“She was a huge hit there, obviously the kids loved her,” said Castaldi.

Castaldi said he originally got the idea for a compassion dog for the high school by seeing students' faces light up with joy when the K-9 dogs visited the school for demonstrations.

With that said shortly after Castaldi found himself in a different role. He thought that one day there could be a compassion dog with the department, but it wouldn’t be under his watch.

After being an SRO, Castaldi became the executive director for the Warwick Police Athletic League, before being promoted to sergeant where he became a supervisor for third shift.

Castaldi found himself back in the community police division.

“The opportunity again presented itself,” he said.

 Castaldi said that when he crafted the proposal a few years ago it was the first one he did.

“There were a lot of factors, a lot of hurdles that I came across,” said Castaldi.

Castaldi said he worked with his colleagues on reviving the proposal and submitted a new version to Col. Brad Connor, who was on board with the idea.

In addition to going out into the community for different events and visits Castaldi said that he thinks Charley will be very helpful when talking to people.

For example, he said that if there was a domestic incident involving children Charley may be called to comfort them after the scene is safe. Another example is someone who is having mental health issues, or to help people open up when being interviewed by a detective or patrol officer.

Castaldi said that he and his colleagues worked on fundraising to help purchase Charley and the other expenses that come with having a puppy.

The department began their fundraising efforts working with people like longtime K-9 division supporter Deb Wood, along with the owners of Apponaug Brewing Company who came up with a beer label for Charley.

“Our We Be Jammin Team jumped in with both feet when we learned that the police department wanted to add a compassion dog to the Community Police Unit,” said Wood. “We will always support the police department in anyway that we can.  Donating our jams seemed to make the most sense.  We even created Charley’s own jam Seedless Blackberry.”

Castaldi said the plan is to continue to fundraise for different expenses that Charley will have, and she will be incorporated into the department’s K-9 budget.

“We are proud that no tax dollars were used to acquire Charley.  We Be Jammin will continue to do fundraisers to support Charley for her training and daily care as well as to continue our support for K9 Garry and K9 Haki as well,” said Wood. “Giving back to the Community is just who we are.  We are very grateful that we could help.”

When it came to picking the newest member of the department, Castaldi said that he did research including talking to the trainer from the Rhode Island K-9 Academy.

Castaldi said that he decided on a black female lab and Wood connected him with a friend of hers who is a breeder for labs.

When the recent litter was born Castaldi said that he and some of his colleagues went there to pick one.

“I was immediately attached to Charley,” said Castaldi.

Castaldi said that he further consulted with the trainer from the K-9 Academy, and soon Charley became the newest member of the department.

During an interview in Castaldi’s office which he shares with  Sgt. Matthew Moretti and Charley, who was asleep on her bed next to Castaldi’s desk, Castaldi said that they are allowing her to be a puppy for now.

Eventually Charley and Castaldi will be attending training and after she turns one, she can get her certificate to become a therapy dog.

For now, there's plenty of people stopping by the office to say hi to Charley and plenty of chew toys for her.

“We're letting her be a puppy,” said Castaldi.