The Chesterfield Township Public Safety Department recently welcomed a new member: A 3-month-old Cavachon named Chester.
The public safety department has joined a growing list of agencies across the country to roll out a therapy dog program. By adding a comfort canine to the ranks, officials hope to provide emotional support to both first responders and victims through animal-assisted therapy.
“Therapy/comfort dogs have been known to aid in addressing officer wellness and provide support during stressful or traumatic events, which first responders often experience,” Public Safety Director/Police Chief Brian Bassett said.
Chester will soon start digging into training for his future role in the department. At 4 months, he will begin formal training for 10 weeks.
“Chester came from a dog breeder who specializes in breeding dogs that are fit to be comfort/therapy dogs,” Bassett said.
“Therapy dogs are trained to work with multiple people who need social interaction, recovery motivation, comfort, a feeling of safety, and serve as relief or a distraction for anxiety and other feelings that first responders can often suffer from.”
Once his training is completed, Chester will be on hand to offer emotional support to those in need.
“Chester has a handler who he goes home with, just like our K-9 unit, but he is at the department every weekday during business hours and is available for emergency incidents where he may be of comfort,” Bassett said.
Chester’s name was selected through a vote of department members.
“They had a couple other options, but Chester won hands down so we went with that,” Bassett said at a March 11 township board meeting.
The idea to launch the new therapy dog program was sparked through collaboration among members of the public safety department, the director said. Chester was purchased for the department by the nonprofit Friends of Chesterfield Police. Additional expenses like food, bedding and other needs will be funded by the township.
“The Friends of the Chesterfield Police organization is so generous and supportive of the needs of our first responders,” Chesterfield Township Supervisor Brad Kersten said. “This dog will be bringing smiles to staff members during regular days and most importantly during times of need for years to come. We thank the Friends of the Chesterfield Police for this generosity and for not hesitating to assist when there is a need.”
Chester was formally introduced at the recent board meeting by Bassett and Friends of Chesterfield Police Treasurer Kathy McNair.
“The reality is that (Chester) is a lot more popular than I am, so anywhere he goes he is getting a lot of love,” Bassett said, to laughter. “It’s hard to be angry when you have him.”
Bassett presented a certificate of appreciation to the Friends group in recognition of its support. The nonprofit was established in 2015 and supports many department activities, including the citizens’ and junior public safety academies, the K-9 unit, school liaison officer and annual open house.
“The Friends of (Chesterfield Police) has always been such a great supporter of the department,” he said. “Anything that we’ve asked, they’ve always come through.”
A helping paw
The Cavachon dog is a mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, which are both considered to be well-suited for therapy roles, according to the U.S. Service Animals Organization. The Cavachon’s role is companion dog.
Studies show that interactions between humans and dogs help alleviate PTSD symptoms, and lower an individual’s heart rate and blood pressure levels, according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police. By serving as a distraction or relief from symptoms, dogs can help individuals cope with depression and other mental health conditions.
Research shows that police officers are more likely to die from heart conditions at a much younger age than the general public, according to Police1, an online resource for law enforcement professionals. Rates of depression, anxiety, burnout and post-traumatic stress are also significantly higher in law enforcement. In recent years, more police officers have died by suicide than were killed in the line of duty, according to First H.E.L.P., a first responder advocacy group.
The concept of therapy dogs was inspired by the military, according to Police1. For almost two decades, specially trained dogs have helped combat veterans cope with depression, anxiety and PTSD. Therapy dogs are also used in victim assistance programs, courts and medical settings such as children’s hospitals.
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