CONCORD, NH - On May 13, 2025, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined the Derry Police Department to celebrate the graduation of Bear, the department’s first comfort dog. The ceremony recognized Bear and his handler, Master Patrol Officer Erin Sullivan, for their completion of an intensive training program and new role supporting both the community and officer wellness. 

“Our first responders face a tremendous amount of stress each day, and I am glad that Bear is joining the Derry Police Department family to provide support to both officers and the community they serve.” said Governor Ayotte. “I congratulate Bear and Officer Sullivan on completing their training program, and I thank Hero Pups and AT&T for the critical support they provided. I know that Bear will be a wonderful addition to the entire community, and I’m proud to join Derry PD in welcoming him today.” 

Bear, a black Labrador, was trained in partnership with Hero Pups, a New Hampshire nonprofit dedicated to placing therapy and support dogs with veterans and first responders, and with the support of AT&T. Bear now serves as a source of comfort to citizens in need and as a vital part of the department’s officer wellness program. 

Ryan Clark, AT&T Regional Director, said, “The women and men of Derry PD are public safety’s first line of response. They deal with traumatic events, often one after another. That’s where Bear comes in. With just a wag of his tail, this incredible pup will help decrease stress, boost morale, improve coping and so much more. As AT&T and FirstNet, our nationwide public safety network, work closely with first responders, we learned of the need for diverse resources. That’s why we support programs and partnerships that bring wellness tools directly to our local public safety heroes. We thank Governor Ayotte for her continued support of New Hampshire’s first responders and applaud Chief Feole and Derry PD for prioritizing the health and wellness of their dedicated personnel. We’re grateful for the ongoing collaboration with Hero Pups and know that because of them, Bear is more than ready to take on his job full-time.” 

“The Derry Police Department is excited to announce that Bear is now a full-time member of our department. This comfort dog program, the first of its kind for Derry PD, has already been an overwhelming success. The demanding nature of law enforcement can take a significant toll on the mental and emotional health of our first responders. Bear offers a unique form of stress relief, providing a much-needed source of comfort and companionship within the department,” said Derry Police Chief George Feole. “The program also noticeably enhances our ability to connect with the community, fostering trust and understanding. We extend our gratitude to Governor Ayotte for her support and to Hero Pups, whose expertise was instrumental in bringing Bear to us. We also express our profound thanks to AT&T for their crucial financial contribution, which provided the necessary resources to launch and sustain this vital initiative. Derry’s comfort dog program is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact that innovative approaches can have on law enforcement and the community.”