Taunton police welcome new comfort dog

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Taunton Police Department has a new comfort dog.

The department said Maggie, a golden retriever puppy, came home earlier this month.

“Police departments across the nation are welcoming comfort dogs into their ranks, and the feedback has truly been amazing,” Chief Edward Walsh said. “We hope that Maggie will help to bridge connections between our department and the public, while simultaneously being a calming presence to all.”

Maggie, the newest four-legged employee of the Taunton Police Department. (Photo courtesy of Taunton police)

Her arrival in Taunton corresponds with Mental Health Awareness Month. Once she is trained, Maggie will work alongside Taunton Police Co-Response Clinician Katrina Lee and help with de-escalation and provide comfort for people during mental health service calls.

She’s from Golden Opportunities for Independence, the same non profit organization that gave a puppy to the Powers family after Spencer the Boston Marathon dog passed away earlier this year.

Members of the department considered a few names, and decided to name her after the department’s first woman officer, Margaret Stevens. She joined the department in 1943 and served for 20 years.