Chief Edward J. Walsh is pleased to introduce the department’s newest four-legged employee — Maggie the 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. Her arrival perfectly corresponds with Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed in May, aims to bring awareness to the importance of mental health, fight stigma, provide support, and advocate for policies that support millions affected by mental illness.
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 graduated, Maggie will help with de-escalation and provide comfort to those who may be experiencing or have experienced trauma during mental health calls for service.
Comfort dogs have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and feelings of loneliness. They can also serve as a calming presence in times of crisis or trauma.
“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.”
Prior to being named Maggie, members of the Taunton Police Department voted on several names. The name Maggie 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.
Chief Walsh and members of the Taunton Police Department would like to thank all community partners who have supported Maggie so far, especially Mayor Shauna O’Connell’s office.
Community members can keep up with Maggie’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook. On those platforms, followers can expect adorable photos, information about community events, and resources for mental health, addiction, domestic violence, social services and more.
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