FULTON COUNTY, Ind. --  The Fulton County Sheriff's Office announced the launch of a new initiative, the addition of a certified Law Enforcement Therapy K9. The facility therapy dog will not serve in traditional detection or apprehension roles. The K9 will provide emotional support and therapeutic engagement. 

 The specially trained K9 will operate under the care of up to 4 handlers within the department and will rotate across several divisions, including dispatch and community outreach. The mission is to support both officers and the public, especially during high-stress incidents, trauma responses, and community engagement events. 

Certified law enforcement therapy K9s have proven effective in: 

• Supporting the mental health of staff working in high-stress environments 
• providing comfort to individuals in crisis, including victims, inmates, or those affected by traumatic events 
• enhancing officer and community interactions, particularly with youth, seniors, and vulnerable populations
• Assisting in de-escalation during emotionally charged or tense situations

 The Fulton County Sheriff's Office selected Ultimate Canine as the provider and training facility for the program.  The initiative is part of the department's ongoing community-focused, service-oriented policing efforts, which build trust, support staff, and enhance public safety through innovative and compassionate means.

They are currently accepting public donations to help support this program, including the purchase, training, and ongoing care of the therapy K9.

For those interested in supporting or learning more about the program, please contact the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at 574-223-2819 or email [email protected]