By Jill Harmacinski
The Eagle-Tribune, North Andover, Mass.
MIDDLETON, Mass. — Dogs trained by the sheriff’s department are often used for crowd control, suspect searches or to sniff out narcotics.
But the department’s newest dog is dedicated to “puppy love.”
The primary responsibility of K-9 Pasky, a yellow Labrador, is “to provide comfort, care, and support to our dedicated staff,” said Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger.
K-9 Pasky is named after Deputy Sheriff Anthony “Pasky” Pasquarello, 37, who died of COVID-19 in December 2021. The Saugus resident was a 15-year veteran of the ECSD.
“The passing of Deputy Pasquarello impacted this department greatly, especially our officers. He was a gentle being and always a friend to many,” Coppinger said.
“We thought it was just so fitting to name our Comfort K-9 in memory of Anthony,” he said.
Pasquarello’s mother Norine Pasquarello agreed.
“I love that they named him Pasky. To me, it’s like a part of Anthony is still there,” said Norine Pasquarello. “My entire family thinks it’s absolutely wonderful.”
K-9 Pasky will be on shift at three facilities, including the Lawrence Correctional Alternative Center, with his partner, Correctional Officer Christian Guzman, who lives in Southern New Hampshire.
K-9 Pasky’s primary duty will be to provide correctional officers and other staff “a little puppy love to ease the stress of working in a correctional facility,” the sheriff said.
“Corrections is a demanding profession, requiring extreme dedication in one of the most challenging and stressful roles in law enforcement,” said Coppinger. “Promoting officer wellness is a top priority for our department, and K-9 Pasky will serve an important role in caring for our men and women.”
In addition, Guzman and K-9 Pasky are able to respond to local communities in times of need. The pair will also attend community events so that K-9 Pasky can share his goodwill with residents of Essex County, Coppinger said.
Guzman noted K-9 Pasky’s job “is to provide support and affection while positively improving the overall well-being of all those around him.”
“He loves his job judging by his ever-present big, goofy smile, and the people here look forward to him making his rounds. It’s amazing to see how a little love from a dog can brighten someone’s whole day,” Guzman said.
Other area departments, including Lawrence and North Andover police, also have comfort dogs on staff.
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