A state official charged in connection with the death of Maine's first official comfort dog has resigned ahead of his first court appearance next month.

Brodie Hinckley vacated his position as the director of the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications on Oct. 3, a spokesperson for the department tells NBC10 Boston affiliate News Center Maine .

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Hinckley had been placed on administrative leave last month after being charged with a civil violation of animal cruelty following an investigation into the death of Baxter, a 3-year-old chocolate lab who offered emotional support to first responders.

Hinckley was the handler for Baxter, who was found dead on May 28 in a state vehicle that had stopped running at t

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