A service dog named Benelli joined the New Market Police Department.

New Market, Virginia. (WHSV) – A new member of the New Market Police Department is a 2-year-old yellow Labrador named Benelli.

The new chief of the market police, Chris Rinker, met Benelli after applying to non-profit organization Muts with a Mission. The organization trains service dogs for veterans, rescuers, and law enforcement.

Chief Rinker had to travel to the Virginia Beach area to train Benelli for two weeks before the pup was ready to put on the vest and get to work.

“Benelli performs several different functions, one of which is to provide comfort to victims of crime, as well as first aid, including my employees at the New Market Police Department, as well as other emergency response services in the region. He can show them compassion, give them love and make their day better,” Rinker said.

Benelli has only been with the police department for a couple of weeks, but has been called up several times and knows 50 commands.

“He can open doors, he can take water bottles, keys, remotes, he can press the ground clearance, the buttons at the intersection. He’s a really smart guy,” Rinker said.

Chief Rinker added that he enjoys working with Benelli and looks forward to seeing how he can help others in the community and surrounding areas.

“When he enters a room or sees people, he smiles at them. He loves to have his belly stroked,” Rinker said. “It just gives people the opportunity to forget what’s on their mind and enjoy the Benelli. It’s really his job.”

You can follow Benelli on his journey as a guard dog in the Valley and see how he puts a smile on people’s faces by following him on Instagram.