7-17-2024 9:38pm

ICYMI - Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Introduces Their Newest Member – K9 Therapy Dog “LIAM"

Donnella Tilery Editor

SOMERVILLE, NJ - 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 announced that the newest employee of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office weighs 68 pounds, has brown eyes, 4 paws, a tail, and is named Liam.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that Liam is a 2.5-year-old labrador/golden retriever mix who retired from the Seeing Eye 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. Liam is partnered with the Coordinator of the Victim Witness Unit, who is his handler. Staff in the Victim Witness Unit assist victims of crimes and their families every day. Prosecutor McDonald stated that when he is fully trained and certified, Liam will provide comfort to victims attending the Prosecutor’s Office Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and the courthouse. Liam will be available to any child coming into the CAC for a child forensic interview.

His presence provides a compassionate way to help traumatized survivors talk about their experience. 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. We welcome Liam to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office who upon completion of his training will be sworn in as the first official K9 Therapy Dog for the office.Liam’s progress can be followed on the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office: https://www.somersetprosnj.gov/community-page/271