Chief Richard Howe and the Tyngsborough Police Department wish to share that one day after the Select Board was updated on the positive impact of the Department’s Community Resource Dog, School Resource Officer Bethany Bonczar and K-9 partner George are working in Tyngsborough schools to bring comfort to students and school staff.
Officer Bonczar and George, a 3-year-old beagle/boxer mix who was rescued from Alabama, have received specialized training to support social-emotional learning in classroom and counseling settings, and to help reduce the stress level of students.
Implemented in 2019, the Community Resource Dog program was created in part due to studies on Animal Assisted Therapy that have shown dogs can help lower heart rates, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and help regulate emotions by reducing emotional distress.
“The senseless violence and tragedy in Texas may be difficult for students and staff to process in the coming days, and I am thankful our community has a resource like Officer Bonczar and George to help comfort students and staff members,” said Chief Howe. Officer Bonczar and George work in both Tyngsborough Schools and at Greater Lowell Technical High School.
Chief Howe additionally reports that Tyngsborough Police will remain in close contact with all school districts this week, and that the Department’s School Resource Officers will continue to maintain an active presence in schools to provide assistance and security to both students and staff.
Officer Bonczar and George also are trained to support academic work in school settings, and visit schools to interact with students to improve confidence, motivation, and communication. They also provide support to students on the autism spectrum, with PTSD, and other emotional/behavioral issues and academic issues.
George was selected to be a Community Resource Dog based on his temperament, gentleness, reliability in unusual environments, and comfort level with meeting new people. He lives with Officer Bonczar. They have trained together since the program was implemented.
