MPD welcomes its first-ever therapy dog

MADISON, Wis. - The Madison Police Department is excited to introduce its newest family member - a Golden Retriever named Frost.

He's the department's first-ever therapy dog. Frost will work alongside our new peer support officer, a position created by MPD earlier this year to improve officer health and wellness. Together Frost and Officer Brian Vandervest will respond to critical incidents and provide comfort to all MPD staff during difficult and stressful situations.

"He opens doors, he breaks down barriers. I think he's going to be an incredible tool for helping officers deal with trauma," Officer Vandervest said.

Frost comes from the Wisconsin Academy for Graduate Service Dogs (WAGS). He's been preparing for his new role since puppyhood and has undergone three years of personalized training.

"One of his great gifts is his connection to people. Everyone gravitates toward him. He's magnetic, and people just want to come and greet him," Officer Vandervest said.

Frost and and Officer Vandervest are currently training together multiple days a week. The hope is to have Frost ready to go by June.

"To get to this point with a dog, where he an take on this kind of a roll, it's really satisfying," said Sarah Sirios, Program & Training Director for WAGS.

When he's not at work, Frost will live with Officer Vandervest and his family.

He is supported by Capital K9s, a volunteer-run organization that exists to support the expansion and maintenance of the department's K9 unit. The unit currently consists of eight dogs and handlers. These dogs help find missing people, locate and apprehend suspects and detect narcotics and explosives. Frost will be the first therapy dog housed within the department.

"We are used to providing patrol dogs that help protect officers on the street, and now we get to have a dog inside helping with officer wellness. Policing is a tough job, and we are excited to help officers in this new way.

You can learn more about how to support K9 units in our community by visiting the Capital K9s website. And you can learn more about the mission of the WAGS by visiting the organization's website.