GILBERT, Ariz. — The Gilbert Police Department has a cute and furry new addition to its force.
On Monday, the department introduced Finley, who will serve as a therapy dog.
With the help of the Fetch Foundation, the 2-year-old goldendoodle was given to the department and into the care of Officer McKay Lauritzen.
Through the department's new Peer Support and Wellness unit, Finley and Lauritzen are trained to reduce stress for officers who have undergone critical incidents.
“When he comes into the room, everybody kind of forgets about whatever stress they're dealing with. And they're able to shed it a little bit. And in doing so, it helps mitigate those effects of the stress on our people and the trauma,” Lauritzen said.
Finley's support therapy is available to all Gilbert first responders.
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