Essex Sheriff welcomes new comfort K-9 named for fallen deputy

The Essex County Sheriff’s Department is proud to welcome a new officer to our ranks whose primary responsibility is to provide comfort, care, and support to our dedicated staff.

K-9 Pasky is the Department’s new Comfort K-9. He is named for fallen Deputy Sheriff Anthony “Pasky” Pasquarello who died of COVID-19 in December 2021. 

“The passing of Deputy Pasquarello impacted this department greatly, especially our officers. He was a gentle being and always a friend to many,” Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger said. “We thought it was just so fitting to name our Comfort K-9 in memory of Anthony.”

Deputy Pasquarello’s mother Norine Pasquarello agreed.

“I love that they named him Pasky. To me, it’s like a part of Anthony is still there,” said Norine Pasquarello. “My entire family thinks it’s absolutely wonderful.”

K-9 Pasky will be on shift at our three facilities with his partner, Officer Christian Guzman.  K-9 Pasky’s primary duty will be to provide correctional officers and other staff a little puppy love to ease the stress of working in a correctional facility.

“Corrections is a demanding profession, requiring extreme dedication in one of the most challenging and stressful roles in law enforcement,” said Sheriff Coppinger. “Promoting officer wellness is a top priority for our department, and K-9 Pasky will serve an important role in caring for our men and women.”

In addition, Officer Guzman and K-9 Pasky will be available to respond to local  communities in times of need. The pair will also attend community events so that K-9 Pasky can share his goodwill with the fine people of Essex County. 

“K-9 Pasky’s purpose is to provide support and affection while positively improving the overall well-being of all those around him,” Officer Guzman said. “He loves his job judging by his ever-present big, goofy smile, and the people here look forward to him making his rounds. It’s amazing to see how a little love from a dog can brighten someone’s whole day.”