K9 Therapy Dog Liam Joins Somerset County Prosecutor's Office in Somerville

SOMERVILLE, NJ - Less than two months after K9 therapy dog Marco joined the Somerville Police Department, a second therapy dog, Liam, is joining the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office in Somerville.

Liam and Marco are the only K9 therapy dogs working for police agencies in Somerset County.

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Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Coordinator Erin Rocchietti introduced Liam, a 2.5-year-old golden retriever/labrador mix on Friday.

Liam weighs 68 pounds and is retired from the Seeing Eye Dog program and was adopted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office in June 2024. Liam immediately began training for his next career as a K9 Therapy Dog.

Marco, a six-month-old golden retriever, is also in training, and was presented with his badge by Mayor Brian Gallagher during a Somerville Borough Council meeting in June. Marco's partner is Police Officer Nicole DeBiase.

Liam is partnered with Rocchietti.

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When he is fully trained and certified, Liam will provide comfort to victims attending the Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center and the courthouse, according to McDonald. Liam will be available to any child coming into the CAC for a child forensic interview.

Staff in the Victim Witness Unit assist victims of crimes and their families every day.

His presence provides a compassionate way to help traumatized survivors talk about their experience, according to McDonald, who explains that attending meetings regarding criminal charges and trial preparation are stressful experiences for victims and their families.

Victim Witness staff members make every effort to ease the stress and Liam will be a companion in this effort to prevent re-traumatizing victims during their involvement in the criminal justice process.

"The SCPO K9 Therapy Dog program was inspired by staff trying to replicate the calm that a dog
provides at home after work into something that can be offered to victims of crimes investigated
and prosecuted by the office," McDonald said.

Liam will be sworn in as the first official K9 Therapy Dog for the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office when his training is completed.

Liam’s progress can be followed on the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office website
somersetprosnj.gov

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