The Antioch Police Department’s new canine, who will provide comfort to officers, victims and community members, was officially sworn in at a village board meeting Wednesday.
The Antioch Police Department said a generous donation from the Antioch Lion’s Club led to the three-year-old canine, a Labrador Retriever named Flo, being acquired.
Officials said Flo will enhance public safety by providing comfort to those in need.
Flo is a trained service dog from Supporting Independence through Teamwork Service Dogs in southern Illinois.
The organization specializes in canine therapy and provides visits to rehabilitation facilities, childcare centers, support groups and independent living facilities.
Flo, who has been training her whole life, was sworn in at the Antioch Village Board Trustee meeting on Wednesday evening.
“Flo has a nose for comfort and a tail that never quits wagging. Whether it’s helping to paws-itively boost morale or bringing a little comfort to those in need, Flo’s here to prove that being paws-on is all part of the job!” village officials said Thursday.
“Next time you see Officer Flo, be sure to say woof’s up and give her a scratch behind the ears. She’s here to make the community a better, furrier place—one paw-sitive interaction at a time!” officials added.
Antioch Police Chief Geoff Guttschow said he solicited the help of the Lion’s Club after seeing the positive impacts comfort dogs are having in police departments across the country.
Unlike traditional police canines trained to respond to apprehend suspects and assist with searches, comfort dogs like Flo serve a different role by providing emotional support where needed.
Flo’s purpose is for recovery and well-being. Dogs like Flo can help prevent burnout and improve overall officer morale, officials said.
“Policing is a high-stress profession. Evidence suggests that the presence of comfort dogs help reduce anxiety and stress levels among officers,” Guttschow said.
“To see the staff smiling as Flo approaches them with her tail wagging looking for some attention has made our building feel more like a home away from home,” he added.
Flo will also serve as a bridge between the department and the community to help break down barriers and make officers more approachable.
She will be made available to victims and witnesses who have been exposed to trauma to create a less intimidating environment.
“The Antioch Lions Club has long been one of our greatest supporters, continually stepping forward to assist us with critical initiatives when funding may not otherwise exist. Their generosity knows no bounds,” Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner said last month.
“Through their support of our comfort dog program, they are helping to care for our community’s protectors while at the same time helping support people in their worst moments. I am incredibly grateful for their continued support and partnership, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in our shared goal of enhancing the wellbeing of our community,” Gartner said.
U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider said his team attended the swearing-in ceremony for Flo.
“Also known as “Pawfficer Flo,” this amazing three-year-old lab will play a key role in supporting community recovery and enhancing the well-being of both residents and staff,” Schneider said.
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