By JULIE CUNNINGHAM

Photos by William Gordon

(Washington D.C.) Officer Clarence, official Greenfield Police Department Comfort Dog, is on hand with Deputy Police Chief William Gordon in Washington D.C. this week to help officers as they say goodbye to fallen Capitol Police Officer William Evans. Clarence is quite popular in D.C. and has the attention of international and national media, including the Daily Mail which is based in London, England and CNN reporter Kristin Wilson. His primary job, however, is to help comfort officers as Officer William Evans is honored and sent back to North Adams for his final rest. Officer Clarence stood by an alcove next to the Rotunda, where Evans’ body lain in honor. He had some high profile visitors, including President Joe Biden, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Charles Shumer, but his most important visitors were the family of Officer Evans, including his children.

“Over the next week we will be visiting more officers and politicians and staff. It’s been a tough couple months here and they really appreciate Clarence.,” said Deputy Chief Gordon on his Facebook page.

Gordon also went to school with Evans and graduated from WNEC with the class of 2002. He and Clarence also met Vice President Kamala Harris and Representative Richard Neal. Congressman Jim McGovern welcomed Officer Clarence into his office and introduced him to his staff. McGovern also posted a tribute to Officer Clarence, along with two other emotional support dogs that had come to the Capitol to provide comfort.

“Hank, Keeva and Clarence are here to provide consolation to the Capitol Community and the U.S. Capitol Police, and I was so glad that they took a moment to stop by and say hello,” said McGovern.

Officer Clarence and Deputy Police Chief Gordon were also be seen, and heard, on CSPAN. NBC news reporter Julie Tsirkin also posted a video on her twitter account that can be located here of Officer Clarence at work. Officer Clarence has also responded to the Sandy Hook tragedy, the Boston Marathon bombings, and the Las Vegas shooting.