News, Police/Fire

Swampscott Fire Department welcomes new puppy

Swampscott's Fire Chief Graham Archer welcomes the fire department's newest member Ryan.

(Photo by Libby O'Neill)

Swampscott firefighter Ariana Sarro is all smiles as she holds the newest member of the Swampscott Fire Department, Ryan.

(Photo by Libby O'Neill)

Swampscott Fire Department's Captain Joe Gambale cradles Ryan in his arms.

(Photo by Libby O'Neill)

Ryan gives puppy kisses to Swampscott fire fighter Mike Salsgiver.

(Photo by Libby O'Neill)

Swampscott fire department's, from left, Captain Joe Gambale, Mike Salsgiver, Ariana Sarro, Connor Barton, and Fire Chief Graham Archer stand in front of "Big Blue" with their newest member of the team, an 8-week-old chocolate Labrador retriever named Ryan.

(Photo by Libby O'Neill)

An 8-week-old chocolate Labrador retriever named Ryan is welcomed into his new home at the Swampscott Fire Department.

(Photo by Libby O'Neill)

Marblehead's Camilla Cross says her good byes to Ryan after helping raise and deliver him.

(Photo by Libby O'Neill)

Swampscott fire department's, from left, Captain Joe Gambale, Mike Salsgiver, Ariana Sarro, and Connor Barton sit on the front of "Big Blue" with their newest member of the team, an 8-week-old chocolate Labrador retriever named Ryan.

(Photo by Libby O'Neill)

The fire department welcomed a new member to its crew, an 8-week-old chocolate Labrador retriever named Ryan.

(Photo by Libby O'Neill)

SWAMPSCOTT — The fire department welcomed a new member to its crew Thursday afternoon, an 8-week-old chocolate Labrador retriever named Ryan.

The department named the puppy after Mark Ryan, a Swampscott firefighter who passed away last September at the age of 57. Fire Chief Graham Archer described the name as a way to honor Mark.

Ryan’s mother is Select Board member MaryEllen Fletcher’s dog. She said when Archer learned her dog Pearl was going to have puppies soon, he called to ask if the department could adopt one.

“It’s been a really, really tough last several years,” Archer said. “I thought it would just be a nice sort of turning the corner, turning the page, and there are lots of studies that show the benefits of having dogs.”

Joe Cross, 12, and Camilla Cross, 10, helped deliver and raise the seven puppies in Pearl’s litter. The two Marblehead Village School students were there to drop Ryan off on Thursday.

The two said it was a big responsibility to take care of the puppies. While they were sad to say goodbye, they were glad to see him get a new, loving home.

Ryan will now live full time at the department, getting around-the-clock snuggles.

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