Massachusetts sheriff holds convention to support 'comfort dogs' for LEOs

By Jill Harmacinski
The Eagle-Tribune, North Andover, Mass.

HAVERHILL, Mass. — When he was a rookie police officer in the town of Lynn, Kevin Coppinger said he could imagine that if he had started talking about the benefits of having a comfort dog, he would have been kicked out of the police station. police.

But on Tuesday, Coppinger, who is now Essex County sheriff, sponsored the first convention of its kind for law enforcement comfort dogs from across the region.

Comfort dogs, including The Sheriff's Department's yellow lab named “Pasky” are used to promote calm, happiness and better health among workers and the public.

“The number one issue is staying healthy,” Coppinger said, noting that comfort dogs “make you smile.”

With names including Ella, Ace, Luna, Murph and Sora, comfort dogs from nine regional departments came together for a first meet at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill.

The first item on the agenda was the blessing of Rev. Michael Doyle of Danvers. Doyle, a yellow lab enthusiast himself, said he often joked that his next parish would be “all dogs.”

After praying for the canines, Doyle blessed each dog with holy water, which prompted a few barks.

Doyle said he blesses the dogs on their backs “so God will watch their backs.”

The dogs and their owners got to know each other and sat down for lunch on Tuesday.

A second law enforcement dog convention is planned for later this summer and another in the fall with an obedience competition.

The meetings and trainings are funded through a grant from Essex County Outreach. Training will be provided by Professional Canine Services of Middleborough.

The sheriff's dog, Pasky, is named after Deputy Sheriff Anthony “Pasky” Pasquarello, 37, who died of COVID-19 in December 2021. The Saugus resident was a 15-year ECSD veteran.

Follow journalist Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTribJill.

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