Brodie Hinckley, the director of the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications, was charged with a civil violation of animal cruelty.

A state official has been charged in connection with the death of Maine's first official comfort dog, authorities announced Friday.

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Brodie Hinckley, the director of the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications , was charged with a civil violation of animal cruelty, according to the Penobscot County District Attorney's Office. A spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety told News Center Maine that Hinckley has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.

Baxter, a 3-year-old chocolate lab who offered emotional support to first responders, was found dead on Ma

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