LARGO, Fla. — The Largo Police Department have a new friend in the office after the agency announced its first ever therapy dog on Tuesday.
The new therapy K-9, 1-year-old Pension, is a rescue who trained at Paws and Stripes College with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. It's a dog obedience program meant to help save the lives of dogs in the county's animal shelter.
Pension reportedly went through 40 hours of training at the college, along with his handler, Largo Police Sergeant Haley Sequeira.
The department says Pension will be able to provide comfort and emotional support to other officers and victims of crime.
"Our officers are exposed to psychological stressors and high stress situations that can take a toll on their mental health," Largo Police Chief Mike Loux said in a statement.
Pension is sponsored by the non-profit organization Speak Up, Let's Talk about Mental Health Inc. The organization's goal is to advocate and provide education on mental illness and suicide prevention.
"Research has shown that therapy dogs can have a positive impact on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as promoting overall well-being," Loux said in a statement. "By having a therapy dog as a member of our department, this will provide officers, dispatchers, and all employees with a source of comfort and support, fostering a more resilient and healthier workforce."