Sartell Police Department Adding a Therapy Dog

SARTELL (WJON News) -- Another new member of the Sartell Police force is expected to be approved at Monday's city council meeting.

Kimber is a Belgian Malinois that will be trained as a therapy dog for children and crime victims...

When we have a traumatic incident, and especially with children, or really any crime victims to be able to calm the situation a little bit. When we are trying to do the law enforcement part of it and keep the community safe, (it will be good) having this K9 and handler to be able to respond and even break down some barriers for those victims of trauma.

Police Chief Brandon Silgjord says the dog and all of its training are being donated by the Soldier's 6 Organization. The squad car equipment will be paid for through vehicle forfeiture dollars.

The chief says the value of the dog and all of the training exceeds $20,000.

He expects Kimber will also be used for community engagement and in the schools.

LOOK: Longest-living dog breeds

To find out the longest-living dog breeds, Stacker examined data from the journal Genetics and American Kennel Club's 2023 breed popularity rankings.

LOOK: Stunning animal photos from around the world

From grazing Tibetan antelope to migrating monarch butterflies, these 50 photos of wildlife around the world capture the staggering grace of the animal kingdom. The forthcoming gallery runs sequentially from air to land to water, and focuses on birds, land mammals, aquatic life, and insects as they work in pairs or groups, or sometimes all on their own.

KEEP LOOKING: See What 50 of America's Most 'Pupular' Dog Breeds Look Like as Puppies

Filed Under: sartell police department

Categories: From the WJON Newsroom, St. Cloud News