Deputy Chief Michael Jenkins is pleased to announce that the East Bridgewater Police Department has welcomed a community resource K-9.
K-9 Morgan is a 6-month-old yellow lab who is assigned to School Resource Officer Tallitha Connor.
Community resource dogs are recognized as a valuable resource and have joined the ranks of many police departments. Interaction with a community resource dog can reduce anxiety for a victim or witness, and increase communication between the individual and investigators. The dog also can provide comfort for people during times of crisis, and provide aid and comfort to individuals, groups and communities affected by violence, tragedy or traumatic events.
Community resource dogs can also be trained in friendly search and rescue to help locate lost children, senior residents or adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The department expects to train K-9 Morgan in search and rescue at a later date.
East Bridgewater Police received Morgan on April 3. She was purchased from Professional Canine Services in Middleborough with funds donated by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, as well as donations from other private individuals and businesses.
K-9 Morgan and SRO Connor will complete training with Professional Canine Services during the next year.
“We’re excited to welcome K-9 Morgan to our department,” said Deputy Chief Jenkins. “Dogs can have a calming and positive effect on people of all ages, providing them comfort to help them through whatever trauma or emotions they are experiencing at the time. We would also like to express our appreciation to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office and the additional private donors whose generosity allowed us to bring K-9 Morgan to East Bridgewater.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the community resource dog program can drop off or send a check or money order – made payable to “East Bridgewater Police K-9 Fund” – to 153 Central St., East Bridgewater, MA 02333. Donations will help fund supplies and ongoing training.
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