Down in Jacksonville, Tennessee, the Sheriff’s Office has a new best friend — Buster! Supplied by K9s for Warriors, Buster is the eighth dog trained as part of their Station Dog Program.
As reported by News4Jax, the K9s for Warriors Station Dog Program aims to pair dogs with law enforcement agencies seeking to make the mental health of their officers a priority.
“While dogs and their special bond with humans are not new to any of us, bringing them into the workplace to help employees is a positive and exciting new approach,” said Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams.
“The officers are the most important resource you have in an agency. And healthy officers are essential for a thriving community.”
What Is Buster’s Role As A Station Dog?
K9FW is honored to be the recipient of the Back the Blue Award from @AGAshleyMoody. Today, Buster was donated to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the seventh dog to go through the station dog program. #ServiceDog #Veteran #PTSD #K9 #K9FW #MentalHealth #FirstResponder pic.twitter.com/tEKnxl0uiI
— K9s For Warriors (@k9sforwarriors) October 7, 2021
At first, Buster received training through the K9s for Warriors puppy raiser training program. Geared for veterans, this training serves to mitigate traumas associated with military service, including post-traumatic stress, brain injury, and sexual violence, as well as other forms of trauma.
During training, Buster demonstrated a strong ability to recognize signals of anxiety and stress, making him an ideal candidate for the station dog program.
Collaborating with the JSO, K9s for Warriors vetted the station’s operations for Buster’s placement. They analyzed the environment and then found a suitable candidate to take responsibility for his care.
“We are excited to partner with JSO in bringing Buster to their department as a way to help relieve the pressure our first responders face every day,” said Rory Diamond, CEO of K9s For Warriors.
Buster is currently undergoing further training within the department, working alongside dispatch officers to better identify signs of distress.
You Can Support K9s For Warriors!
The ceremony is also celebrating the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office adopting Buster, a yellow Labrador retriever, through the K9s For Warriors Station Dog program @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/Ol0aaf3rt7
— Alicia Tarancon (@AliciaANJax) October 7, 2021
If you’d like to learn more about K9s For Warriors’ non-profit efforts, or if you would like to support their programs, you may do so on their website.
K9s For Warriors also recently campaigned for the PAWS Act. This legislation allows Veteran Affairs to supply service dogs to veterans in need. President Joe Biden signed the act into law at the organization’s encouragement. Read the full story here!
You should also check out DogTime’s interview with K9s For Warriors here to find out about all the great work they do!
Do you think dogs like Buster can benefit the mental health of law enforcement officers? Would you like to see station dogs to provide comfort in your own community? Then let us know in the comments below!
