PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — The Portsmouth Police Department is the latest department in the state to get a comfort dog. Mason is a 4-month-old Labrador retriever rescue.

PORTSMOUTH — City police, in partnership with Stratham-based nonprofit Hero Pups, are bringing on Mason, a 4-month-old black Labrador retriever, as the department's first comfort dog.

Officer Michael Nicoli, who joined the department in September 2021, has been chosen as the comfort dog's handler. Nicoli came to Portsmouth from Massachusetts, where he worked as a police officer.

Comfort dogs a growing trend in NH departments By Jason Schreiber Union Leader Correspondent Feb 5, 2025 Updated May 13, 2025 ...