New Saanich police service dog brings 'calmness' and 'joy'
The newest member of the Saanich Police Department is already making a big impression after just a few days on the job.
Beacon, a two-year-old black lab, is the police department's new operational stress injury dog.
His swearing-in was sped up after a dramatic bank shootout left six police officers injured in a hail of bullets in Saanich, B.C., in June.
Beacon, an operational stress injury dog, is shown. (CTV News)Five officers with the Saanich Police Department remain off duty since the attack, including three who are recovering from psychological injuries.
Many others still at work suffered invisible wounds, and officers say Beacon has an immediate affect on people he meets.
"He just kind of brings a cloud of calmness when you see him and you get a few minutes of joy with him," said Saanich police Sgt. Corey Volk.
Not only does Beacon increase morale and reduce tension, but he can help victims of crimes, like sexual assault, when they go through traumatic interviews.
"[He helps with] sensitive parts of investigations where victims can feel high levels of anxiety and stress," said Saanich police Chief Dean Duthie.
Beacon, an operational stress injury dog, is shown. (CTV News)Beacon was donated to the Saanich Police Department by Wounded Warriors Canada, which provides mental health services for veterans and first responders.
He's the first canine of his kind at a Vancouver Island police department, and only the second in all of B.C.
"I'm sure we're going to have lots of departments saying, 'Can we have a Beacon?'" said Phillip Ralph with Wounded Warriors Canada.
Beacon was bred by Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs, which trained him to sense anxiety and provide comfort.
He even knows specific moves, like cuddling up to the lap of people to reduce stress.
"So those tasks are what separate Beacon from an emotional support or therapy dog," said Mike Anon with Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs.
Beacon goes home with his primary handler, Lynne George, every night.
George is a civilian member of the police department and says as soon as Beacon comes home and takes his work jacket off, he becomes a different dog.
"A regular dog," she said. "He barks, plays, so he's got a good work-life balance."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.