New police dogs take on unique job in Fairfax County

Right now, the dogs are getting basic training, Carson added. But they’re already having a positive effect among the officers, who find they’re great stress-relievers.

“I even joke around that they’re like library books — our guys want to check them out, take off with them for the day, take them down to their floors, and they’ll watch the dog all day,” Carson said. “Some of them are sending selfies with the dogs.”

Out in the field, when officers and detectives are handling an especially stressful or horrific event, the dogs are sent out.

“The officers stop what they’re doing. It grounds them a little bit; they’re able to interact with the dog and then they go back to work,” Carson said.

The dogs are also going to be available to members of the community on the scene of incidents as well, he added. “Especially if we have a case that involves children, or people who are emotionally upset after a horrific event,” Carson said.

Among those taking on a dog for training is police Chief Ed Roessler. He stood as his dog, a chocolate Lab named Indy, sat at his feet.

Roessler said Indy would eventually be placed with a disabled first responder.

He explained some of the skills she’ll have to master: “How to go up and down an escalator, how to ride in an elevator, how to turn a light on and off, how to retrieve her leash.”

And, perhaps, the most important skill: how to provide comfort for someone suffering post-traumatic stress, Roessler said.

“She provides a lot of love and joy,” he added. “She’s just fun and gives love.”

Another element of the program, Roessler said, is an effort to bring attention to mental health and suicide prevention.

“We respond to hundreds of suicides here in Fairfax County,” Roessler said.

He feels strongly about the need to eliminate the stigma that comes with asking for help when it’s needed — for first responders and the general public. The message, he said is, “It’s OK to not be OK — we will help you.”

The event Tuesday morning was provided so that the department could publicize the program, and so that members of the community could meet the dogs.

Brennan Welton, a 12-year-old from Fairfax, was thrilled to see the dogs. His favorite? Sully. “He’s energetic,” Welton said. “And I just like dogs!”

Holmes, one of the golden retrievers, was getting a lot of extra attention from Marian, Landon and Mitchell Spore. Their great-aunt, Jill Milloy, is a clinical psychologist with Fairfax County and is training Holmes.

Holmes is very talented, said 7-year-old Marian Spore. “When you have a treat, he sits, and then you say, ‘Say hello,’ and he’ll shake your hand.”

Landon Spore, 9, said, “He’s really lovable, and he’s trained really well. He doesn’t bite or anything. He’s a really good boy.”

Older brother Mitchell Spore said Holmes is “very sweet and kind,” and after a bad day, it’s nice to spend time with Holmes. “He’s sweet and fluffy, and makes you calm,” the 11-year-old said.