More than four years ago, K-9 Duke joined Williston Police Department through the newly established Comfort Dog Program. Since then, the therapy dog and his handler have shown up for floods, fires and mental health emergencies. Duke is the only comfort dog in the state. And Duke has launched not one, but two books about his mission and to raise money for the program. Inspired by his partner’s 8-year-old daughter, Duke takes the day off in this story, reminding folks it’s okay to take a break.”These are fundraisers we do for our program. This program is funded through donations and fundraisers that we run. Each year I try to have at least one fundraiser to keep the program funded without having taxpayers’ money going to it,” said Corporal Matthew Cohen, Duke’s handler and a Richmond PD officer. Cohen also said Duke has brought many smiles to many emergency scenes since the launch of the program.”It’s really different when it involved policing. Most times that we show up its not really the best scenario and so when Duke kind of enters the room, and you see people kind of light up and happy to see him, say hi and come up and interact with him,” said Cohen.
More than four years ago, K-9 Duke joined Williston Police Department through the newly established Comfort Dog Program.
Since then, the therapy dog and his handler have shown up for floods, fires and mental health emergencies. Duke is the only comfort dog in the state.
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And Duke has launched not one, but two books about his mission and to raise money for the program.
Inspired by his partner’s 8-year-old daughter, Duke takes the day off in this story, reminding folks it’s okay to take a break.
“These are fundraisers we do for our program. This program is funded through donations and fundraisers that we run. Each year I try to have at least one fundraiser to keep the program funded without having taxpayers’ money going to it,” said Corporal Matthew Cohen, Duke’s handler and a Richmond PD officer.
Cohen also said Duke has brought many smiles to many emergency scenes since the launch of the program.
“It’s really different when it involved policing. Most times that we show up its not really the best scenario and so when Duke kind of enters the room, and you see people kind of light up and happy to see him, say hi and come up and interact with him,” said Cohen.
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