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The golden retriever spent more than eight years serving students, first responders, and the broader Walpole community.
Rebel, a community resource golden retriever who served the Walpole community for more than eight years, died Tuesday. Walpole Police Department
A beloved community resource dog who spent eight years serving the Walpole community died Tuesday following what police described as a “tragic accident.”
Rebel, a golden retriever handled by School Resource Officer Tom Hart, died at the Walpole police station, the Walpole Police Department announced Wednesday.
“Rebel was a beloved member of the department and the Walpole community and will be sorely missed,” the department said in a statement.
Authorities did not disclose the circumstances surrounding Rebel’s death.
The department thanked the staff at Tufts Veterinary Hospital for their “tremendous care” over the previous 24 hours and said no additional information would be released at this time.
For years, Rebel served as a source of comfort and support for students, first responders, and residents throughout Walpole.
“Her warm personality brought happiness to so many from kindergarten age kids to high school students and many others who had the pleasure of interacting with her at the countless events she attended during her life,” the department said.
Walpole School Resource Officer Tom Hart stands next to Rebel, his community resource dog. – Walpole Police Department
Rebel was the first dog in the Golden Opportunities for Independence Community Resource Dog program, which trains English golden retrievers to provide emotional support and crisis de-escalation.
“Rebel didn’t just do a job — she changed lives. She brought comfort where there was pain, smiles where there were tears, and pure love to the entire Walpole community and beyond,” GOFI said in a statement following Rebel’s passing. “She showed all of us exactly what GOFI is capable of doing.”
Upon completing their training, GOFI dogs are paired with local police, first responders, and college campuses to provide comfort, stability, and positive engagement with communities they serve.
Among Rebel’s many community appearances was the Walpole Police Department’s Ride-to-School program, in which selected students are picked up at home and escorted to school in a marked police cruiser. Rebel frequently accompanied Hart during those visits in recent weeks, as seen in social media posts documenting their work together.
Rebel maintained a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, posting throwback photos and trips to schools and campuses. Just two days ago, a throwback photo of her as a puppy was shared on her Facebook page.
Both Walpole police and GOFI asked the community to keep Hart and his family in their thoughts following the loss.
“She meant the world to us and the people of Walpole but she was the whole world to SRO Hart and his family,” the department said.
Police said they plan to honor Rebel’s life and service at a later date.
“Rebel paved the way,” GOFI said. “She proved that real dogs can solve real problems, and her legacy will live on in every single dog we train.”
Rebel as a puppy during community resource dog training. – Walpole Police Department
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