BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Buffalo Grove Police Therapy Dog Grady and Deputy Police Chief Brian Spolar have graduated from a new certification program designed to prepare law enforcement therapy canine teams for crisis response.
The Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program was created by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board in partnership with the Cook County Sheriff's Office.
Village officials said it is the first program in the country to establish standardized training and operational guidelines for therapy dogs working with law enforcement.
Grady and Spolar are now one of 19 therapy canine teams in Illinois to hold the certification.
Participants received training in crisis intervention, behavioral health awareness and coordination between dogs and handlers in high-stress situations.
As a certified Crisis Response Canine Team, Grady and Spolar may be deployed to assist other Illinois communities during large-scale emergencies.
"This certification strengthens our ability to support not only the Buffalo Grove community, but also communities throughout the state during times of crisis," Spolar said in a statement.
"Grady has already made a meaningful impact through his work with residents, schools, first responders and victims of traumatic events. This training expands our ability to serve when communities need comfort and support most."
Grady has served as a certified therapy dog since 2023.
He also holds Canine Good Citizen certification through the American Kennel Club and is registered as a therapy dog through Pet Partners.
Grady and Spolar graduated from the SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Training Program and regularly volunteer together as a therapy canine team with the nonprofit organization.
Buffalo Grove Police Therapy Dog Grady and Deputy Police Chief Brian Spolar are now certified to help communities respond to large-scale emergencies. They are one of only 19 Crisis Response Canine Teams in Illinois.
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