Press release
Summer may be ending, but the “dog days” are just beginning in the Village of Perry.
With support from local business partners Pioneer Credit Recovery and Perry Vet, Perry Police Chief Michael J. Grover has sworn in the newest member of the Perry Police Department, a Police Therapy Dog named Rocky.
The program, made possible by a donation from Pioneer, is the first of its kind in the region and partners a Perry Police Officer with a canine, specially trained as a “Therapy Dog” for law enforcement.
At a time when our communities are facing true hardships between COVID-19 and perceived mistrust in law enforcement, Chief Michael Grover says there couldn’t be a better time for this sort of resource in our community.
Locally, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has had great success with their two Therapy Dog partnerships which deployed two trained deputies and their canine partners in school districts as School Resource Officers.
Chief Grover and Officer Matt Masci saw the opportunity to bring the same type of program to their community and into their schools.
When pitched to Village Mayor Rick Hauser, the Village Board of Trustees, and the Perry Central School District, all agreed the timing of such a program was never so important.
“We are fortunate to have a thoughtful local business and dedicated police department support this innovative initiative. The Therapy Dog program will enhance our students’ experiences at PCS,” says Superintendent Daryl McLaughlin.
Rocky will work alongside Officer Masci full time during this school year from Pre-K to 12th Grade. Additionally, Rocky has undergone specific training that makes the pair a valuable resource in the community when working with juvenile victims, victims of domestic violence, or other
tragedies.
“Children don’t always feel confident speaking to adults or police officers, but bringing a dog in really changes the dynamic of the room in a troubling time,” says Officer Masci.
Officer Masci says that even adults can use a mental health break occasionally and can find that same comfort in having a canine companion around.
While Rocky does have months of training under his belt and is a working Police Dog, he is not cross trained in narcotics or explosive detection like common Police K9 partnerships.
This pair will be exclusively deployed in the Village of Perry as an advocate for those needing their services.
“Our officers have connections to our community, and they take seriously the trust we place in them to protect and serve. I’m proud of their proactive stance and Rocky is a great example of that approach,” says Mayor Hauser
The funding opportunity from Pioneer Credit Recovery, spearheaded by CEO Jeff Mersmann, has helped the Police Department fund the pair’s training as well as outfitting Officer Masci’s patrol car to accommodate a safe and climate controlled cabin for Rocky.
The Police Department is also excited and grateful for the opportunity to partner with Perry Vet as they will be the exclusive care provider for Rocky when it comes to all basic and annual needs.
“Our local partners have really stepped up for our community and, most importantly, for our kids” said Chief Grover.
Community members can expect to see Officer Masci and Rocky in the halls of Perry Central, around town at special events, and out for plenty of walks and adventures as Rocky learns all the great things Perry has to explore.