NEWS RELEASE
April 7, 2022 BCPD K-9 Unit Opens Another Chapter in Community Policing Burlington, NJ – City of Burlington School District Superintendent Dr. John Russell and Chief John Fine proudly announce the arrival and implementation of K-9 Sully, a Therapy and Emotional Support Dog, who will be assigned to the School District to assist students and staff within the district.
The effort began in coordination with Jacquelene O’Brien, Director of Child Study Team and Pupil Personnel Services, acknowledging a need to support several students in the school district while overcoming numerous obstacles to include the COVID-19 Pandemic and getting adapted back to in person learning. Director O’Brien said, “Through observing community policing, I have witnessed the positive impact police dogs have on the communities in which they serve. Knowing the effects animals have on promoting social interaction and the tremendous benefits of animal therapy, I just knew that K9 Sully would be the perfect fit in the Burlington City School District. By having a full-time therapy dog in the school setting, we are uniting the local police and the school district and joining forces for the good of our children.”
The K-9 Handler, Officer Dan Pascal, is currently assigned to the School District and now will have “Sully” with him roaming the hallways and hosting “Sessions with Sully” events for students and staff. K-9 Sully will be in the schools part-time this year as he completes his training through Alpha & Omega Working Dogs Academy, based out of Moorestown, NJ, with the full certification being July 2022, K-9 Sully’s first birthday!
In addition to emotional support, K-9 Sully is also a great listener and loves to hear stories read to him by students. Some students who do not like to read out loud to peers, will have the opportunity to read to K-9 Sully. Studies have shown that this type of effort helps student development while engaging with staff and law enforcement in a positive environment.
The purchase and training of K-9 Sully are from community donations and local events held for the BCPD K-9 Unit, Adopt-A-Dog Foundation. Any person who wants to donate to this cause can send donations to the City of Burlington Police Department, Adopt-A-Dog Fund, 525 High Street, Burlington, NJ 08016.
We would like to say THANK YOU the City of Burlington School District and City of Burlington Board of Education for the opportunity to bring a therapy dog to our schools and our children.
