Press release submitted by Rollstone Bank & Trust
The Rollstone Bank & Trust Foundation has donated $1,000 to NEADS World Class Service Dogs to support the adoption and training of a Service Dog that will be assigned to the Harvard Police Department to assist with education and aging programs.
The funds will be directed toward an $8,000 fundraising goal created by Harvard Police Department Detective/School Resource Officer Danielle Fortunato and go toward the total $45,000 cost of the two-year training program for the service dog, named Chloe. Detective Fortunato has also set up a fundraising page for the effort: https://support.neads.org/fundraiser/2323458
“Through my experiences, I have learned that this quiet community is not immune to experiencing stressors in various forms and at every age level. Seeing these stressors continually increase over the past several years, I proposed the implementation of an assistance dog program for our police department,” said Detective Fortunato.
Chloe will be used for activities with students in the Harvard School System and offer comfort, social/emotional support and a sense of security to students. Chloe will also bridge gaps with senior citizens through Council on Aging activities, be present during critical incident debriefings for all public safety entities in the town, be available to aid victims in time of crisis and provide a calming influence for children during parental custodial exchanges.
“Rollstone has always counted on and supported our local police departments and will continue to do so,” said Laura Pearsall, Harvard Branch Manager. “We applaud the initiative of Detective Fortunato and look forward to welcoming Chloe as a valued member of our community.”
About Rollstone Bank & Trust
At Rollstone Bank & Trust, we deliver personalized service that goes above & beyond. Our dedication to providing our customers with superior bank and wealth management solutions, along with the support they need to prosper at work and at home, has enabled us to build one of the most trusted banks in the region. With branches located throughout central Massachusetts, customers have peace of mind knowing we are FDIC & DIF insured, and never far from home. Rollstone Bank & Trust - it's where you matter most.
From left: Laura Pearsall, Harvard branch manager; Chris Connors, Rollstone relationship bank officer; Det. Daniele Fortunato of the Harvard Police Department; and Chloe, a young black Lab from the NEADS program who is working with the Bolton Fire Department. (Courtesy photo)