OSHKOSH (WTAQ-WLUK) – A program that trains service dogs for those suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) got a boost from a local police department.
The Oshkosh Police Department presented a $3,000 check to Journey Together Service Dog program Wednesday.
Through the program, the dogs are placed with inmates at the Oshkosh Correctional Institution.
There, volunteer trainers help the inmates train the dogs to be able to help veterans and other people with PTSD.
“It gives the inmates an opportunity to gain skills, it gives the inmates an opportunity to give back to the community. I think it helps them through their incarceration period as well. But then it gives back to the community,” said Oshkosh police chief, Dean Smith.
The money was raised by Oshkosh officers and staff as part of its fall fundraiser.
Every Oshkosh Police Department employee who donates $50, can have facial hair, female officers can have their hair past the collar of their uniform shirts and staff can dress casually on Thursdays and Fridays.
To add a little friendly competition to the fundraiser, Lt. Andrew Lecker has challenged Sawyer, the bearded collie, to see who can grow the best beard.
The fundraising effort will continue through the end of November.
