It has been fifty years since the York City Police Department has had K-9 dogs within their ranks. Now, in 2021, the department is bringing the K-9 unit back, but in a different, more compassionate way.
Recently, the department announced the arrival of Victory, a yellow lab, trained as a certified therapy dog. Partnered with Officer Reinart, the Downtown, Homelessness, Outreach, and Wellness Officer, Victory will be used to mend and strengthen community relationships, focusing on:
- Comforting crime victims
- Support persons in crisis
- Aiding officers in need
- Continuing the department’s ongoing outreach efforts
Seeking to re-imagine the use of police dogs, Commissioner Muldrow sees Victory as an invaluable asset to build bridges and strengthen connections within the community.
Victory was originally trained by the nonprofit, Leashes of Valor, which seeks to provide service dogs for post-9/11 veterans. Due to a minor seizure disorder, Victory was unable to be placed with a vet, but due to her history of serving in special needs classrooms, she has been the perfect addition to the city’s police department.
If you see Victory and Officer Reinart around town, be sure to stop and say hello!
