Meet Derby!: Salem Police's New Community Resource Dog

SALEM, MA —Derby is the new furry face of the Salem Police Department's Community Impact Unit.

Chief Lucas Miller said that the eight-week-old English Cream Golden Retriever is joining the department as its new community resource dog.

"We are excited to have Derby as part of the team and look forward to introducing him to the Salem community," Miller said.

Derby's job will be to assist in interactions involving children and adults to reduce anxiety and increase communications with officers, investigators and mental health clinicians, especially during traumatic encounters or in times of crisis. Derby will also be available to Salem Public Schools, Salem Hospital and the city's senior centers, nursing homes and community events.

Officer Jessica Rondinelli will be Derby's handler and will undergo training with him at Golden Opportunities for Independence over the next 18 months. At the conclusion of training, Derby will receive certificates in "AKC Puppy STAR," "Canine Good Citizen" and "Public Access Test."

Miller said donations to the Salem Police K9 Fund will pay for Derby's acquisition, training and gear. Residents Rosemary O'Connor, Cheryl LaPointe, Andy LaPointe and the Mack Park Neighborhood Association spearheaded the K9 Fund.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)