Parma introduces two therapy dogs for police emotional-support program

Assistant Chief Riley of the Parma Police Department introduced two therapy, emotional-support canines to the Safety Committee on May 18, saying the dogs were donated and will be used for community outreach and victim support.

The animals — identified as canine Roscoe and canine Remi — are from the same litter and were born Feb. 7. Riley said they were donated by Rick Seiler of Silver Bullet Canine Ministries and that handlers were training the animals and city staff to work with them while they mature. “These are our therapy emotional support dogs,” Riley said.

A handler told the committee the dogs are about 15 weeks old and that they would be socialized by visiting schools including Shiloh and Greenbrier, local businesses and community events. One handler described Remi’s early work at the Child Advocacy Center in Cleveland, saying the dog has already assisted child victims during interviews. The dogs will be eligible for federal service-dog registration once they reach about 6 months of age, Riley said.

Councilman Al Divis noted public reaction to the program, saying Roscoe was popular at Polish Constitution Day and received significant attention on social media. Committee members said the canines will also attend ward meetings and other city events this summer for community engagement.

The presentation was informational; no formal action or ordinance was taken. Officials encouraged residents and event coordinators to request visits from the handlers.

The Safety Committee temporarily adjourned after the introduction and then resumed other business.