Canton's Cute Police Dog Helps Department Earn Major Honor

CANTON, CT — The Canton Police Department's new service dog "Leo" has gotten the CPD some media and social media attention.

And, this week, it also netted the department a major honor courtesy of the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA), which works with towns on their insurance issues and helps them avoid risk and improve staff wellness.

For the CPD, Leo's presence helped the department win the 2024 CIRMA Excellence in Risk Management Award, which was announced this week.

The dog officially became a member of the department last September.

Leo, (an acronym for "law enforcement officer") is a young Labrador puppy who was abandoned by his owner back in July in North Canton.

Over the summer, officers and CPD employees became attached to Leo and it was clear the dog was a match for a different type of canine role in a police department.

Hence, Leo the lovable Lab became Leo the "Community Service Dog," a police dog whose job isn't to catch the bad guys but to help cement the CPD's reputation among the good guys.

According to CIRMA this week, the presence of Leo is more than just publicity for the CPD, it is good operations practice that limits risk and improves the mental health of responders and the people they serve.

"The Town of Canton Police Department’s progressive Community Service Dog program further proves why emotional support dogs are becoming law enforcement’s new best friend," wrote CIRMA when announcing the award.

CIRMA officials said Leo and other emotional support dogs offer peer support services and other "wellness initiatives."

For example, they are there to help responders and victims cope with trauma, help reduce anxiety, cope with grief and, simply, "decompress" between calls.

After all, who doesn't love a cute dog?

The Town of Canton posted a Youtube link where folks can watch a video about the CPD's use of Leo and how it was recognized by CIRMA.

In the video, Canton Police Chief Christopher Arceiro candidly discusses the role of Leo in the department, saying he's often there to calm nerves, soothe souls, and simply bring joy to a work day that can deteriorate easily.

Said Arciero, "He makes everybody happy."

From Sept. 22, 2023: 'Special Canine Cop Unveiled By Canton's Finest: CPD'

For more information on the CIRMA awards, click on this link.