Therapy dogs will start making regular visits to the Woodstock Police Detachment in an effort to increase mental health supports for WPS members.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock Police will start bringing in therapy dogs to visit with their officers.

The department has entered into a partnership with the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program. The move is part of the Woodstock Police Department's commitment to increase services to support the mental health and wellbeing of WPS members. The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs will attend for regular visits to provide comfort and support.

Police Chief Daryl Longworth says he thinks the dogs will provide a real benefit to his members.

“Therapy dogs have been utilized for a number of years in hospitals, treatment and chronic care facilities and science has shown us how beneficial they can be in lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety and contributing to overall patient wellness. We are very excited about this new partnership and this opportunity to offer yet another tool to assist our members in dealing with the difficult and often traumatic events they deal with on a regular basis."

First Responders are highly trained and skilled professionals who, due to the nature of their work, often face challenging situations that test their physical or mental health and safety. WPS recognizes the need for ongoing and additional mental health supports for First Responders and is proud to continue moving forward with making mental wellness a priority for its members.

St. John Ambulance will be kicking off their first visit to the Woodstock Police Service station on Wednesday November 13th with two visits for the morning and evening shifts.

The therapy dogs will make their first visit to the detachment tomorrow.

Last week the detachment also announced a partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada.