Excitement filled the halls of Graves-Heritage Middle School on Dec. 3, as therapy dogs Trooper and Zilly visited students in School District 104. The visit was part of ongoing efforts to promote wellness and community engagement.
Trooper, a 2 1/2-year-old border collie mix, is the first therapy dog introduced by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to support law enforcement and first responder mental health. Trooper’s handler, Jennifer Wooldridge, Deputy Director of Operations-State CIT Coordinator, accompanied him.
“He comes home with me every night and into work, training, conferences, and more,” Wooldridge said. “This was a new initiative of the board, and I’m fortunate to have been chosen to be his partner.”
From shelter to service
Trooper’s journey began in Cicero, where he was found abandoned and taken to Waggin’ Tails Animal Shelter/Cicero Animal Control. He was later placed in Cook County’s Tails of Redemption program, which helps correctional detainees teach basic obedience skills to dogs to make them adoptable. Recognized for his calm disposition, Trooper advanced to K-9 therapy training and was adopted by ILETSB in April 2024 to support its flagship Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program.
CIT therapy dogs assist law enforcement and mental health professionals with officer wellness and community outreach. Trooper’s activities include attending training sessions, roll calls, funerals, state capitol hearings, and now school visits. His care is supported through Operation TT, a nonprofit honoring Theresa Smoot, in partnership with the Police Benevolent and Protective Association of Illinois.
Spreading smiles in schools
Joining Trooper was Zilly, a therapy dog handled by Cook County Sheriff Officer Geraldo Roman, who previously visited Graves-Heritage Middle School in November. Together, the therapy dogs toured classrooms with Summit Police School Resource Officer Armando Dominguez, engaging with students and faculty.
“While this is my first school visit with Trooper as a team, he has attended schools, hospitals, funerals, roll calls, and other group events during his therapy training,” Wooldridge said.
ILETSB oversees more than 50,000 certified law enforcement, correctional, and court security officers statewide. Its CIT program is part of broader efforts to expand therapy dog availability across Illinois, benefiting both officers and the communities they serve.
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