Lawrence Police Dept. Receives Support for First Responders

On October 26, 2021, the Lawrence Police Department accepted donations of Trouble the Dog plush toys from The Kennek Foundation of Marblehead, thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Gary Freedman, owner of Marblehead Opticians, and riders of the annual Trouble the Dog Toy Ride. Sheila Duncan, founder of The Kennek Foundation and co-creator of the Trouble the Dog character, delivered the plush dogs to the Lawrence Police Department and met with Lt. Sandy Picard to help facilitate the donation.

The plush Trouble the Dog toys will be placed in police cruisers to help support first responders, who will have them readily available to give to children as a source of support, particularly for those who need comfort in crisis situations. Trouble the Dog will also be utilized in schools, with Lawrence Police Comfort Dog, Lancer, and will make visits with Lawrence Police Therapy Dog, Oliver.

Taking part in the donation are L to R (back row): Lawrence Police Sgt. Tommy Caraballo, Ginelli Bonet, Tarsi Melo, Police Officer Mark Panagiotakos, and Sheila Duncan, founder of The Kennek Foundation.

Front row, kneeling: Therapy Dog Oliver and Lt. Sandy Picard.