Students attending Concord Public Schools are provided opportunities to interact with Thor, the Concord Police Department comfort dog, which helps them lower stress and gives them a sense of calmness, especially when students need a break during a difficult day. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)
CONCORD — Concord Public Schools and the Concord Police Department are sharing how Thor, the Concord Police Department’s comfort dog, has become a familiar presence in classrooms and at school events.
Over the past year, he has visited Concord’s three elementary schools, Concord Middle School and Concord-Carlisle Regional High School, offering students companionship and a positive connection to law enforcement.
School Resource Officer Samantha Simpson is Thor’s handler.
A day in the life of Thor
Thor starts his workday at the Concord Police station, where he greets officers and visits them in their offices.
He and Officer Simpson then typically head off to Concord Middle School. They arrive before Snack Time, allowing time for a walk around the property before interacting with the students.
“When it’s their Snack Time all the grades are coming and going, so it’s a great time to visit everyone,” said Officer Simpson.
Thor attends classes, including gym, and joins students at recess. He also participates in school events, including graduation, Walk-to-School Day and Maroon and Gold Day, which takes place at the Middle School before Thanksgiving break.
After school visits, Thor and Officer Simpson sometimes head downtown for walks and basic obedience training before returning to the police station.
The station also provides Thor with opportunities to hang out with firefighters. The fire department is connected to the police station, and firefighters sometimes open a door to let Thor visit them when they hear him nearby.
On the weekends, Thor spends time at home with Officer Simpson.
“He likes to be around lots of people, so he gets bored on the weekends,” she said.
The Thor lore
Thor, an English lab, was born on Jan. 22, 2025, and bred with therapy work in mind by Puddleduck Retrievers in Morrill, Maine.
The Concord Police Department established its comfort dog program after recognizing the significant positive impact other similar programs have had in other communities and law enforcement agencies, particularly in strengthening community connections and providing comfort and support to those in need.
Several officers in the department expressed interest in serving as the department’s comfort dog handler. Officer Samantha Simpson, a Concord native who was already serving as a School Resource Officer (SRO) was selected and assigned to the role, providing a natural connection between the program, the schools, and the broader community.
She has cared for Thor since he was eight weeks old. Concord Middle School students chose his name through a vote, naming him after the hammer-wielding Norse god of thunder and protection.
When he was about four months old, Thor headed to a school of his own. He completed the basic obedience program at Hudson K-9 Training Center and earned the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen certification before beginning his work in the schools.
Fur-ever friends
Thor has become a regular at school activities, including graduation, Walk-to-School Day, Maroon and Gold Day and the Concord Police Youth Academy.
“Thor got to dress up for Maroon and Gold Day. He’ll attend all the different events that schools are having,” said Officer Simpson. “He’s always taking part and now people have come to expect to see him at school functions.”
During school fundraisers, a popular auction item offers students the opportunity to ride to school with Thor.
“Among the younger kids, that has been really popular,” Officer Simpson said.
“Thor has been an invaluable addition to our team,” said Chief Thomas M. Mulcahy. “He helps strengthen our connection with our community, particularly our students, and brings comfort, reassurance and a positive presence wherever he goes. He is a joy to have around!”
Students aren’t the only ones who enjoy his visits. Teachers and staff also spend time with Thor, who sometimes joins staff meetings.
“Thor has become a beloved part of our community,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Hunter. “His warmth and calm demeanor truly enhance the school environment.”
For Officer Simpson, Thor’s role has personal significance. She now works in the schools she once attended.
“I’m from town. I also grew up here. It’s nice to be back in the schools I grew up in,” she said.
As for Thor, he’s happy to follow her wherever the school day takes them.
“I think he just has a love for people,” she said. “He’s just always up and ready for an adventure.”
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Thor, the Concord Police Department comfort dog, has become a fixture at Concord Public Schools, where he accompanies School Resource Officer Samantha Simpson and interacts with students. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)
Thor the comfort dog has socialized with students at Concord’s three elementary schools, the middle school and, sometimes, the high school. Thor’s visits provide students with emotional support and companionship, while also giving them a positive connection to law enforcement. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)
Thor the comfort dog posed for a photograph during a visit to Concord Middle School. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)
Joined by his handler School Resource Officer Samantha Simpson, Thor interacts with students in Concord Public Schools, providing them a chance to relax and destress. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)
Thor has become a mascot of sorts for Concord Public Schools, as a regular fixture at school activities like graduation, Walk-to-School Day, fundraisers and the Concord Police Youth Academy. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)
Thor, the Concord Police Department comfort dog, is a regular in gym class in Concord Public Schools, where he plays alongside the students. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)
Thor, the Concord Police Department comfort dog, patrols the halls of Concord Public Schools, alongside his handler, School Resource Officer Samantha Simpson. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)
Thor wore a hat supporting Thoreau Elementary School. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)
Thor has become a mascot for Concord Public Schools. (Concord Police Department)
Thor was born on Jan. 22, 2025. The English Lab was bred to be a therapy dog or a duck-hunting dog by Puddleduck Retrievers, which is a breeder based in Morrill, Maine. (Photo Courtesy Concord Police Department)