Comfort K-9 Program
Community ProgramsChester, a Cavachon born December 27, 2024, joined the department in February 2025 as a trained comfort K-9 for first responders, victims and the community.
About the Comfort K-9 Program
The Comfort K-9 Program started in February 2025 with the addition of Chester, a male Cavachon born on December 27, 2024. A Cavachon is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise, a small and gentle breed well suited to therapy work.
Chester is a specially trained therapy animal who provides affection, emotional support and stress relief for first responders and for people in high-stress and traumatic situations. He can be deployed to traumatic incidents to help victims and responders cope with trauma, depression, anxiety and PTSD.
Chester also represents the department in the community. In his first year he attended the fire department open house and the Christmas with Cars event at Stahl's, and he visited the veterans home and several area schools.
Comfort K-9 Program Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of dog is Chester?
Chester is a male Cavachon, a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. He was born on December 27, 2024.
Is Chester a police dog like Hemi?
No. Chester is a trained therapy animal, not a patrol or detection dog. His job is emotional support and stress relief.
Can Chester visit a school or event?
Chester has visited area schools, the veterans home and community events. Contact the department to ask about a visit.
Related Programs
K-9 Unit
Officer Hallie Fowler and K-9 Hemi handle narcotics searches, alarm calls, tracking and community demonstrations. K-9 Viper retired in April 2026 after nine years of service.
Learn morePeer Support and Chaplain Program
Confidential support for police employees and their families through a trained Peer Support team, a clinical director and Chaplain K. Fleece.
Learn moreCommunity Outreach
From National Night Out to CPR classes and school visits, the department takes part in events across the township all year to build relationships with residents.
Learn more