APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A new addition to the Appleton Police Department– a puppy named Blue.
Patrolling the halls of the Appleton Police Department is Blue, the newest rookie officer in town.
His main duty — lifting the spirits of everyone in the department.
Chief Todd Thomas got Blue, a 12-week-old golden doodle, to be a therapy dog for the department’s employees, who often deal with stressful situations.
Thomas tells WLUK says Blue can help reduce stress.
“Wandering the station, checking in with people, we know how we all feel when a puppy or a dog walks into the room, our temperament changes.”
Matt Fillebrown is,Appleton Police Department’s lead CSO and humane officer.
“It’s easy to be swept up in work, and trying to fix the city’s problems. But once the dog walked into the office, it was like a light switched, and you just want to get on the ground and play with him.”
But before Blue can get down to business, Thomas says he needs to be professionally trained.
“Right now he’s a rookie officer, he’s a puppy. He’s gotta go through his classes, and he’s gotta be certified just like a new police officer. And once he’s certified, he’s going to be able to come to work.”
Wednesday, Blue attended his first class at the Fox Valley Humane Association.
Amy Christensen with the Fox Valley Humane Association…
“We do a lot of sit, down, stay. You have to be very in tune with your owner.”
Once Blue is ready, Thomas says he can also help members of the community.
“We’ll be able to use him for going to schools, reading to kids, visiting hospitals. If we have a traumatic incident, or some child victims, we can bring him in to help them.”
There is no cost to the city of Appleton for the purchase and care of Blue. Chief Thomas and his family have it covered.
