Sartell Police Department Adds Therapy K9 to Its Ranks

(KNSI) — The Sartell Police Department has added a therapy K9 to its force.

K9 Kimber was made possible thanks to a donation from Minnesota-based nonprofit Soldiers 6.

Police Chief Brandon Silgjord says the use of therapy K9s in law enforcement is relatively new, but the department is excited for the five-month-old Belgian Malinois and her handler, Officer Kari Bonfield, to “help boost morale and mental wellbeing within our own ranks and actively engaging with our community.”

Kimber will be used in critical incident debriefs, daily staff interactions, and interacting and supporting victims of trauma or crime.

Officer Bonfield said she is excited about the new assignment, serving staff, residents and being available for any other calls for help from law enforcement partner agencies in the area. The two will begin training immediately.

Soldiers 6 provides trained K9s to those who are honorably discharged, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, corrections officers and 911 dispatchers. The agency not only donated K9 Kimber, but they also donated the necessary training.

A press release from the department says, “We know the amount of pressure and stress put on our first responders every day and likewise the trauma that victims of crime are exposed to. We sincerely hope that interactions with K9 Kimber will help ease the stress and pain that these incidents can cayse, especially on children and our most vulnerable citizens. Additionally, we know K9 Kimber will help continue building on the positive interactions our citizens have with our officers.”

Mental health initiatives are nothing new to the Sartell Police Department. Earlier this month, a new camouflage wrapped police cruiser hit the streets with symbols of all military branches and the words “no one fights alone” on the side. It is meant to raise awareness about veterans and first responder suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder.

See the original KNSI report here.

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