CONCORD, N.H. – On March 4th, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined New Hampshire 911 dispatchers and Department of Safety leadership in celebrating new comfort K-9 Winni’s graduation from her training program alongside her handler, Supervisor Abigal Rider.

AT&T FirstNet provided a $7,000 grant to fund Winni’s training program, and Winni and Abby also had support from local nonprofit Hero Pups, which specializes in training service and support dogs for first responders and veterans.

“Congratulations to Winni and her handler, Abby, on completing their training and joining the New Hampshire 911 team full time,” said Governor Ayotte. “I thank Abby and Winni for their dedication to supporting our hardworking 911 dispatchers, and partners Hero Pups and AT&T FirstNet for their expert guidance and support of Winni’s training program.”

“The mental health and wellbeing of our team is of critical importance,” said New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. “Winni will be there for our dedicated employees amidst the most difficult of calls and incidents, and I look forward to watching her fully integrate with our staff. I am also proud of Supervisor Rider for the tremendous amount of time and effort she has given to this program.”

“The dedicated women and men of New Hampshire’s emergency communications centers are public safety’s first line of response,” said Ryan Clark, Regional Director, AT&T. “They deal with traumatic events, often one after another, daily. That’s where Winni comes in. Comfort dog programs help decrease stress, boost morale, improve coping, and so much more. We thank Governor Ayotte for her continued support of New Hampshire’s first responders and applaud the New Hampshire Department of Safety and the Division of Emergency Services and Communications 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, Winni is more than ready to take on her job full-time.”