VERNON, CT — Though he didn’t actually share a book to students at Center Road School Friday, Vernon canine officer Franco was the hit of Read Across America Day.
Read Across America Day is traditionally celebrated on March 2 to promote reading and honor the birthday of Dr. Seuss. The National Education Association established the day in 1998.
With March 2 falling on a Sunday this year, many school districts celebrated reading all week with the big day being observed Friday.
And it was a celebrity cast at CRS Friday. Readers included police chief Marc Petruzzi and town administrator John Kleinhans.
Kleinhans, who grew up near CRS, said that walking the halls on his way to “class” was “a full-circle moment.”
Then there was Franco. His handler, Officer Brandon Zawadski, read to students first, then returned to his cruiser to grab Franco.
Students were amazed at Franco’s size when he jumped up and placed his paws on Zawadski’s shoulders. They also loved his big bark, enticed by Zawadski teasing him with his favorite toy.
“He barks at the bad guys?” the students asked.
“Yes and he also finds them,” Zawadski said. “It’s like hide and seek … he’s the best seeker.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.