Two new dogs — a canine (K9) police officer and a comfort dog — are coming soon to Somersworth.
The plan received enthusiastic support at a June 29 Public Safety Committee meeting. The Somersworth Police Department lost Bravo, its previous K9 officer, when the dog died in April. Initially, it had been uncertain if the dog program would remain in place.
“I am so excited for the new comfort dog and the continuation of our city’s police K9 program,” said Mayor Matthew Gerding in a written response to questions from Foster’s Daily Democrat. “There has been an amazing amount of community support, as well as a number of forthcoming donations, to make these programs happen. The city is humbled by these efforts, and with the support of the City Council, I believe these programs will have immense benefits to our residents, and our police department’s ability to ensure the safety and health of our city.”
His sentiments were echoed by Police Chief John Sunderland.
“I am very excited at the opportunity to bring back the Somersworth Police K9 program with a patrol and narcotics dog,” Sunderland said in a written statement. “I am even more excited at the opportunity to expand the program to include a comfort dog. It is my hope that adding these two dogs to the city of Somersworth will greatly improve the services we can provide to our community and the communities surrounding us.”
Chief made the case for K9 and comfort dog
Sunderland put together a proposal for the two new dogs as part of his budget preparation, and followed it up after the budget had been approved. In his proposal, he said a police K9 helps get drugs off the streets, can be used in search and rescue operations, can help track and apprehend suspects, and find hidden evidence. He said the dog will be trained to clear buildings and in physical apprehension, helping to reduce officer injuries.
Sunderland said a comfort dog can assist with things such as a crisis in the schools. He said it will be trained to bring wellness and mental health benefits to first responders, school children, and victims of crimes like sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and other traumatic events.
Sunderland said the handlers for the dogs will be vetted by a Boston K9 training company, which will also identify the dogs to come to Somersworth. The Somersworth Police Association will donate funds for the K9, including training. The chief has already made deals for medical treatment, at 50% cost, with annual physical and rabies shots at no cost to the city.
“An existing cruiser is outfitted and ready to accept this dog and handler,” Sunderland said in his proposal. “Additionally, a private donor will provide fencing and shelter at the handler’s home.”
The comfort dog will be vetted by Portsmouth police detective Rochelle Jones, a longtime canine handler. Sunderland said they are looking for a donation of an AKC-certified labrador retriever. The same type of medical care has already been secured for the comfort dog as is in place for the K9, and a second cruiser will be outfitted for the dog and chosen handler.
City Manager David Moore said the concept of restoring the K9 program and introducing a comfort dog were both well received by the (Public Safety) committee.
“In addition, several generous donations for both programs will substantially (if not nearly entirely) cover costs related to the dogs, medical, shelter, food, equipment, and transport needs,” Moore said in a written response. “The fact that donations are involved will mean this will come before the Council (likely July or August) to ‘accept’ donations. After donations, are accepted, we will have what is needed in place to move forward.”
City Councilor Don Austin said he thinks police canines are very valuable to the Police Department.
“I think we will get the labrador first, coming as a puppy,” he said. “The K9 will be another malinois but since they require extensive training, I feel it will take a bit longer to get that one on board. I love the fundraising structure in place, saving taxpayer dollars, not costing the city money. We were very happy to move forward on this, and I believe both are very needed in today’s world.”
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat. Reporting by Karen Dandurant.
