Geneva police add Golden Retriever comfort dog to the force
The newest member of the Geneva Police Department's force is a 20-month-old Golden Retriever named Tommy, who will be part of the city's new comfort dog program, according to a news release from the city of Geneva and its police department.
Tommy was sworn in at Geneva's special City Council Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday. The goal is for him to provide a calming presence and emotional support during difficult situations, according to the release.
Tommy's placement with the Geneva police is part of a partnership with Healing Hearts Comfort Dogs, a Tinley Park-based nonprofit.
Per the release, Tommy's responsibilities will include attending local events and presentations, fostering a positive relationship between police and residents, participating in employee wellness events, visiting schools and educational institutions and providing comfort to those in crisis. The program will not include apprehension or narcotics- or enforcement-related activities.
'To be able to offer something like this is an amazing gift to the community,' said Geneva Police Chief Eric Passarelli at Monday's meeting.
Tommy's primary handler will be Geneva Police Community Services Officer Brad Koontz, according to the release.
Members of the public can request a visit from Tommy by filling out a form at this link: https://www.geneva.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/16181/Comfort-Dog-Request.
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The newest member of the Geneva Police Department's force is a 20-month-old Golden Retriever named Tommy, who will be part of the city's new comfort dog program, according to a news release from the city of Geneva and its police department. Tommy was sworn in at Geneva's special City Council Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday. The goal is for him to provide a calming presence and emotional support during difficult situations, according to the release. Tommy's placement with the Geneva police is part of a partnership with Healing Hearts Comfort Dogs, a Tinley Park-based nonprofit. Per the release, Tommy's responsibilities will include attending local events and presentations, fostering a positive relationship between police and residents, participating in employee wellness events, visiting schools and educational institutions and providing comfort to those in crisis. The program will not include apprehension or narcotics- or enforcement-related activities. 'To be able to offer something like this is an amazing gift to the community,' said Geneva Police Chief Eric Passarelli at Monday's meeting. Tommy's primary handler will be Geneva Police Community Services Officer Brad Koontz, according to the release. Members of the public can request a visit from Tommy by filling out a form at this link:
