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TAUNTON, Mass — Meet Maggie! This four-legged friend is the Taunton Police Departments’ new comfort dog.
Maggie a 9-week-old Golden Retriever, arrived at the Taunton Police Department in early May from Golden Opportunities for Independence (GOFI) in Walpole. She arrived just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month.
According to Taunton Police, Maggie will be partnered with Taunton Police Co-Response Clinician Katrina Lee. Together, Maggie and Lee will be attending GOFI’s Community Resource Dog training program.
Once Maggie graduates, she will help with de-escalation and provide comfort to those who may be experiencing or have experienced trauma during mental health calls for service.
“We are excited to welcome Maggie to our department where she will work alongside our mental health co-response clinician to provide comfort and support to those in crisis,” Chief Walsh said. “Police departments across the nation are welcoming comfort dogs into their ranks, and the feedback has truly been amazing. We hope that Maggie will help to bridge connections between our department and the public, while simultaneously being a calming presence to all.”
Maggie’s name was chosen in honor of the department’s first female officer. In 1943, Margaret Stevens was appointed as the department’s first “policewoman” and went on to become a senior officer before retiring in 1962.
Comfort dogs reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.
Community members can keep up with Maggie’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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