Meet Officer Millie, the Superior Police Department’s New Therapy Dog

When officers respond to a non-emergency phone call, it can sometimes be hard for people to open up. But the Superior Police Department has a new plan to help people feel more comfortable. Meet Officer Millie, the Superior Police Department’s new therapy dog ​​in training. She will assist Officer Jen Stank in her duties as a crisis response specialist.

“She’ll be five months old next week, so she’s still a puppy and still doing puppy things,” Officer Stank said. “She’s helping break down some of the barriers by opening up communication.”

Millie will be fielding phone calls regarding mental health, homelessness, and substance abuse issues. But before Officer Millie could head out on patrol, she had to make a quick stop at Bryant Elementary School to meet with some excited 2nd graders.

“There’s definitely a working Millie and a stay-at-home Millie. I have two boys at home and she likes to play with them and she gets a little wild. So it’s kind of funny to see her recognize the difference. When she’s at work, she’s a little quieter. Then when she’s at home, her personality comes out a little more, but she’s still just as sweet at home.”

You may be wondering why Millie is needed? There are other canine units within the Superior Police Department. Well, Superior Mayor Jim Paine says Millie’s role covers many aspects of being a public safety officer. That includes responding to crises and mental health calls, or making children feel comfortable talking to officers.

“Millie works for the entire city. So she will work directly with our coordinated response specialist within the police department,” Mayor Paine said. “But she can be deployed by the police department, by the fire department, and we will put her in parades. We will put her with people in their darkest moments.”

Mayor Paine also said that once Millie turns one, in about seven months, she will complete her training. She will then be ready to help make a difference for the residents of Superior.

“Millie’s job is to immediately deploy, to provide comfort, peace, friendship, love. She can help us reach out to people who don’t feel comfortable talking to law enforcement,” Mayor Paine said. “The same goes for other people who work for government or don’t feel comfortable talking to people. She’s an ambassador for the City of Superior to the community. We hope everyone gets a chance to meet Millie.”

If people want a chance to meet Millie, Mayor Paine says she might make an appearance at Superior’s Spooktacular parade later in October.