CHELMSFORD — Chief James M. Spinney reports that the Chelmsford Police Department is asking the community to help pick a name for a 10-week-old golden retriever who will soon serve as a community resource dog.
School Resource Officer Dan Sullivan has been selected to partner with the puppy, which will help with de-escalation of children in need, provide comfort to children and others who may be experiencing or have experienced trauma, visit schools and community events, assist in search and rescue efforts and more.
The puppy is receiving training from Golden Opportunities for Independence in Walpole. He and Officer Sullivan will attend additional training during the next several months to get to know one another a little better and learn more about working together.
Training will include a puppy aptitude test, puppy star for dog handler test, canine good citizen test, public access test, as well as a search and rescue certification course.
From Monday, March 21 to Friday, March 25, Chelmsford Police will accept nominations for possible names from members of the community. To nominate a name, click here.
Some of the costs of the program to add a community resource dog to the Chelmsford Police Department are being provided from $5,000 that was awarded to the Parker Middle School in Chelmsford when the school won the Boston25 “My School Rules” contest last year.
“Canines have long played an important role in law enforcement, and adding a community resource canine to our department will help us continue to build strong relationships with community members while providing a resource to help comfort those facing trauma, or just bring a smile to child’s face at a community gathering,” said Chief Spinney. “I hope everyone in the community helps us think of a perfect name for this new member of our community.”