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Milford FreePress

Upton Men’s Club awards $1,000 to Upton Police comfort dog program

Jun 08, 2026 08:30PM ● By Bob Drainville, Upton Men’s Club

(L to R): Upton Police Chief Nicholas Palmieri, Officer Ciara O'Connor, K9 Koda, Upton Men's Club Members; Bob Drainville, Brad Webster, Nate Hahn, and Matt Ronzio.

Here at the Upton Men’s Club, our core mission has always been simple: service to the community. Whether we are hosting senior dinners, organizing the town’s Fireworks Festival, or funding local scholarships, we are always looking for ways to make Upton an even better place to live. That is why we are incredibly proud to announce our recent $1,000 donation to the Upton Police Association to support K9 Koda and the department’s Comfort Dog Program!

Recently, the Upton Police Department reached out to us to share the incredible impact of their Comfort Dog Program. This initiative is specifically designed to strengthen community relationships, support mental health, and provide essential emotional assistance during times of crisis.

Koda isn’t just a friendly face at the station; he is a vital resource for our town. As the department shared with us, Koda offers reassurance and a calming presence during difficult situations, including traumatic incidents, school visits, community outreach events, and interactions with individuals experiencing acute stress.

Because the Comfort Dog Program is primarily funded by donations, community support is essential for Koda’s ongoing care. Our $1,000 grant will go directly toward maintaining and growing this program, helping to cover necessary expenses such as food, medical care, equipment, and specialized training. We are honored to help sustain an initiative that directly benefits individuals of all ages across Upton.

For more information about upcoming events, membership, and how you can help us make a difference, visit www.uptonmensclub.org.