For the past two years, Detective Sergeant Brendan Gahagan of the Topsfield Police Department and police K-9 Aster, a 3-year-old black labrador trained for both comfort and explosive detection, have given dedicated service to the tri-town community by ensuring safety at local events, locating evidence, attending fundraisers, and supplying residents with the comfort and joy that only manâs best friend can supply.
Now, Topsfield resident Denise Hudson is hoping to return the favor by organizing a fundraiser for the Topsfield Police K-9 Foundation, a nonprofit started by Gahagan to receive donations for Asterâs food, toys, and other expenses.
âWhen I see someone that is such a giver in the community or someone that has a need, I really try to think- âwhat can I do?â Thereâs always something local where we can make a small but meaningful difference. Iâm hoping this will show that the community really appreciates all Brendan and K-9 Aster do,â said Hudson.
Joining the Topsfield Police Force in 2016, Gahagan followed in the footsteps of his father Eric Gahagan, a police trooper, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, and K-9 handler. Gahagan got Aster in August of 2022, and just a week and a half later the two would start a 12-week training program with the Massachusetts State Police Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOD) school to become certified in the detection of explosive materials, firearms, and ammunition.
âMy father had been a K9 handler since I was a toddler. He had three bomb dogs, all labs, so itâs something that I grew up with and knew I definitely wanted to do. Obviously, I didn’t think it would happen being a local officer, I thought I would have to do it with the State Police. But Chief Neal Hovey was fully supportive of it. We just wanted to make sure it worked for everybody, we didnât want to have any cost for the town. We had that relationship with the State Police Bomb Squad that my father, who has since retired, had built. So they basically said that they would pick a dog for me to buy and train us- and now weâre another asset to help them. Iâm working with [my fatherâs] old crew, which is crazy- itâs like a dream come true,â said Gahagan.
As the School Resource Officer at Masconomet Regional High & Middle Schools, Aster is a popular fixture for students and faculty alike. But Asterâs duties donât end at tail-wags and nuzzles, she and Gahagan have ensured the security of the local community by attending events in the tri-town and Greater Boston area such as the Topsfield Fair, the Boston Marathon, The Boston Pops, and even New England Patriots games.
â[The State Police Bomb Squad] picked out a bunch of dogs from Puppies Behind Bars out of New York. Aster had a great temperament to also perform the comfort dog side of the job, where I could bring her in the schools and the community, so I thought she was a perfect fit,â said Gahagan.
Additionally, the pair were recognized for their service in performing a search that resulted in a seizure of explosives and guns, as well as the apprehension of a suspect. After receiving information that a resident was manufacturing 3D-printed, unregulated, unserialized, and untraceable âGhost gunsâ and burying them on the property he was renting, Massachusetts State Police gained permission from the property owners to perform a search of the property. Gahagan and K9 Aster then located a lock box full of explosives, which would lead to a search warrant of the home where multiple firearms were seized.
âFor so long, Detective Sergeant Gahagan, and more recently K-9 Aster, have selfishly offered their time whenever asked, without hesitation,â said Hudson.
Gahagan and Aster have attended and participated in town-wide fundraising events, organized annual town wide hockey games between local youth and law enforcement, birthday drive by parades, caroling events, and more.
âHe commits a lot of his personal time to the tri-town community and for that I am thankful. Some might say as a public servant; that is his duty. I can attest that not all are like him. We are fortunate in Topsfield, we have outstanding police and fire departments,â said Hudson.
An initial donation from New England BioLabs Ipswich assisted with Asterâs upfront costs. Now, with the cost of food being $105 a month on average, in addition to the costs of any vet visits, toys, or treats, the community that the duo have served are looking to give back with this fundraiser.
âShe’s been an amazing asset. She’s proved herself multiple times over, you know, on both the comfort side on the explosive detection side. She’s been great for public safety and the comfort and community for us and staff at Masconomet and staff in town. I’m very lucky to be working with her,â said Gahagan.
Tax-deductible donations can be dropped off at the lobby of the Topsfield Police Department.