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Police comfort dog introduced at Woodburn meeting; nonprofit describes victim-support role
Summary
Woodburn police introduced Lola, a comfort dog trained with Working Dogs Oregon, during a council meeting; the nonprofit's executive director described the dogs' role supporting crime victims and community outreach.
Deputy Chief Andy Shafter introduced a new comfort dog, Lola, and Working Dogs Oregon executive director Derek Gamble described how the program supports law enforcement and crime victims.
Gamble said the dogs are used for victim support, trauma response and community outreach: "They'll respond when crime victims need help" and he called them a "power dog." Andy Shafter said the dog is part of the department's investment in officer and community wellness.
Gamble said Lola is number 20 for law enforcement placements and number 32 overall the organization has placed across Oregon. The presentation was framed as both a wellbeing initiative for first responders and a public-facing community outreach resource; the presenters invited attendees to meet Lola after the presentation.
No formal budget item or ordinance related to the comfort-dog program was recorded during the meeting segment.
