JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Law enforcement and military veterans came together to show support for Mental Health Awareness Month on Tuesday.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, Mayor Donna Deegan and K9s For Warriors held a joint press conference recognizing the month.
JSO, FHP, SJCFR, SJSO and more highlighted the positive impact of having American Kennel Club-recognized therapy dogs donated by K9s For Warriors.
Therapy dogs help first responders process emotions during tough moments on the job. The dogs are trained to comfort military veterans, but the program has since expanded to first responders.
About 20% of adults deal with a mental illness. If you add a stressful job to the situation there’s an even greater impact. Local first responders and veterans are struggling too, but they are getting help from therapy dogs.
“Police officers experience daily, other people’s worst days. They see death, violence and true depravity, with how human beings can treat one another. As an agency, we want to be vigilant not only for the physical health of those we serve but also their mental health and well-being,” Waters said.
Sheriff Waters shared a personal story about his son’s passing and how their family dog acted similar to a therapy dog.
“I didn’t realize how important K9s were, or dogs, were. You always love them, you always feel them, you always know they are good to have around but on August 30, 2018, my wife I’s life changed forever. And when that change happened, I found my son, my 18-year-old son, he was deceased in my house, in his bedroom and when I went into the bedroom I can remember vividly Sam, my dog, laying in front of him. And she truly experienced the impact of the loss. But she put that loss aside because she recognized the importance of taking care of us,” he said.
Waters said the next day their dog would lie at the front door hoping he would walk through. Waters and his wife cherish their dog who has provided love and support.
There are over 1,000 K9s deployed throughout the country helping veterans. These therapy dogs pay close attention to how everyone is feeling.
K9 for Warriors exists to help end veteran suicide.
“When they notice that cortisol level, which is the stress hormone, is off, it’s typically because of some kind of traumatic incident,” said Greg Wells, K9s for Warriors director.
You can learn more about the Station Dog Program here.