Hampden County Sheriff’s Office Emotional Support Division Expands with Community Outreach Therapy Dog Program

The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office Emotional Support Division is growing in 2025 with the launch of a new Community Outreach Therapy Dog Program. Sheriff Nick Cocchi established the Emotional Support Division with the goal of using specially trained staff and their four-legged partners to uplift the community, support our dedicated staff, and provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to the individuals in our custody. This innovative program builds upon that foundation by using therapy dogs to foster positive connections between students and local law enforcement while offering much-needed emotional support.

The Hampden County Sheriff’s therapy dogs play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and emotional well-being of students within our school systems. Their presence creates a welcoming environment, particularly for students coping with stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. By serving as a source of comfort, these specially trained dogs help reduce fear and tension, particularly for students who have experienced trauma, bullying, or mental health struggles. Their calming influence encourages students to open up to counselors and other professionals, supporting early intervention efforts and strengthening the network of care available to them.

Beyond their emotional support roles, therapy dogs contribute to improving the overall school climate by strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community. When officers bring therapy dogs into schools, they help humanize the presence of law enforcement, breaking down barriers and fostering trust between students and officers. This connection helps students feel more at ease around law enforcement, promoting open communication and providing a positive framework for learning about safety, responsible decision-making, and community engagement.

The Community Outreach Therapy Dog Program exemplifies Sheriff Cocchi’s commitment to innovative, community-based policing strategies. By expanding the reach of the Emotional Support Division, this initiative will not only offer vital emotional support but also contribute to creating safer, more inclusive school environments across Western Massachusetts. The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office is proud to take this step forward in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community, one wagging tail at a time.