Richmond Police add ‘paw patrol’ comfort dog

RICHMOND, Vt. (WCAX) – The Richmond Police have a new puppy patrol in town, Vermont’s only K-9 to serve solely as a therapy dog.

Officers say Duke brings a sense of comfort to both citizens they interact with and fellow officers.

“Victims are usually more open and comforted when having a dog with us,” said Richmond Police Cpl. Matthew Cohen.

Before working in Richmond, Duke was a member of the Williston department and even has his own books.

He’s the only dog like this in the state helping community members and officers going through trauma

“He also helps those who have experienced an acute mental health crisis by going to the scene of those people. Sometimes it helps regulate people so they don’t have to go to the hospital,” Cohen said.

Duke is responding to about 120 calls, on average, every year. He goes on patrol with Cohen on most days and works with several other departments in the area.

“First responders experience acute stress more often than the general public. After a critical incident, we will come in, help regulate those first responders so they are ready to go for the next emergency that comes out,” Cohen said.

When someone needs help, Duke will often try to sit on their laps, lean into them, and provide kisses. Cohen says it has brought more joy to his work. “When people see us, they are more happy to see us. You don’t always call the police every single day for usually a bad time in someone’s life,” he said.

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