A Pawsitive Step Forward: Police Department to Welcome Comfort Dog Program
The Blackstone Police Department is preparing to welcome a new kind of community partner—one with soft fur, a calm presence, and a powerful ability to connect.
A New Kind of Community Connection
School Resource Officer Joseph Niemczyk recently shared, at the Board of Selectman meeting on May 20, that the department is in the process of acquiring a community service comfort therapy dog—a new initiative designed to build stronger relationships between police and the public, particularly with students in the Blackstone-Millville schools.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do for years,” Officer Niemczyk explained. “When I first became an SRO, I saw the bond that other officers with therapy dogs formed with kids instantly.” At the time, family life and responsibilities made it a challenge to take on. But with both of his children heading off to college this fall—and no dog at home—he knew the time was right to move forward.
Turning a Vision into a Plan
The proposed program has received full support from Chief Gregory Gilmore, the school district, and town leadership. After connecting with Animal Control Officer Kevin Sullivan, Niemczyk was introduced to Leonard Gosselin, a retired K9 officer who owns Loyal Guardian Kennel in Uxbridge. Gosselin, in partnership with Jennifer Hurteau of Stonewall Canine, is helping design a comprehensive training plan for the comfort dog—customized for Blackstone’s unique needs.
The dog will be selected from a litter of English Labradors currently being evaluated for various public service roles, including bomb detection and comfort work. Based on personality and temperament, the trainers will match the right puppy to Blackstone’s program.
Once selected, the dog will begin training just over the town line in Bellingham. The training is extensive—approximately 16 months total—starting with basic puppy commands, followed by AKC Good Citizen certification, public access work, and finally, official comfort therapy dog certification. Officer Niemczyk will begin working with the dog right away, incorporating it into his daily routine from day one of training.
This comfort dog will become an extension of the department’s Community Engagement Team, which includes 8–10 officers and volunteers committed to outreach programs like District of One, Public Safety Days, and Coffee with a Cop.
The anticipated impact of the comfort dog is powerful:
- Encourages communication
- Fosters relationships
- Builds trust
- Calms stressful situations and crises
- Assists in de-escalation
- Provides emotional support, especially for children
Officer Niemczyk noted the inspiration he drew from watching the positive effects of the high school’s current guidance department therapy dog. “It’s amazing what these dogs can do,” he said. “When I approached the Chief about it in April, he encouraged me to do the research.” The momentum picked up quickly from there.
What’s the dog’s name?
And yes—the big question on everyone’s mind: what will the dog’s name be? Officer Niemczyk’s daughters have come up with four name options, and once the pup is picked, students will get to cast their votes at school to help choose the winning name!
The program will be formally introduced at the Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee meeting on Thursday, May 22. While the dog hasn’t joined the team yet, excitement is growing across the community for this heartfelt and forward-thinking initiative.
The effort has received enthusiastic support from town officials. Selectman Gino Olaez commended the Police Department for recognizing the value of the program and thanked Officer Niemczyk for stepping up to lead it, calling it a selfless act that will bring long-lasting benefits to the town.
