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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.