House concurrent resolution in memory of extraordinary Bennington K-9 Police Officer Gracie
H.C.R. 11 is a House concurrent resolution honoring the memory of Bennington Police Department K-9 Officer Gracie. The resolution recounts Gracie’s service as a police dog in Bennington, highlighting her role in more than 500 deployments, the location of more than 70 persons, and her contribution to recovering drugs and currency valued at more than $1.6 million. It also notes her presence at schools and community events, her death on Thanksgiving Day 2024, and the large memorial service held in her honor.
The resolution formally expresses the General Assembly’s condolences to the Bennington Police Department and Gracie’s admirers, and directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the Bennington Police Department, Police Chief Paul J. Doucette Jr., Lt. Camillo A. Grande, and Officer Robert Murawski. It also references a planned new K-9 training yard in Bennington that will be dedicated in Gracie’s honor. As a concurrent resolution, it is commemorative and does not change substantive law or create new legal obligations.
H.C.R. 11 has no direct effect on Vermont statutes, regulations, or appropriations. Its legal impact is ceremonial: it records the Legislature’s official condolences and recognition of a fallen law enforcement K-9, and it authorizes transmittal of the resolution to specified recipients. The practical effect is to memorialize Gracie’s service and support the Bennington Police Department’s public tribute, including the planned dedication of a new K-9 training yard in her name.
The sentiment surrounding the resolution is strongly positive, respectful, and mournful. The bill text emphasizes Gracie’s exceptional service, community presence, and operational success, while the memorial service and planned training yard dedication indicate broad admiration and appreciation. No opposition or negative sentiment appears in the available context, and there were no recorded committee debates or votes suggesting controversy.
There are no notable points of contention in the available record. Because the measure is a nonbinding commemorative resolution, it does not raise policy disputes over funding, criminal justice practice, or statutory change. The only substantive focus is on honoring Gracie’s service and acknowledging the loss felt by the Bennington Police Department and community.