Move Over, Batman! Wisconsin’s Got a New Superhero… and It’s a PUPPY!

One Wisconsin town has added a full dose of cuteness to its police department to help support the community in times of crisis.

This addition to the police department will "significantly enhance the department's capabilities" according to a press release about the big announcement that was made in front of some 2nd graders.

READ MORE: Democracy Meets Art: Wisconsin Town Launches ‘I Voted’ Sticker Contest

Millie: A New Friend for the Community and Police

Mayor Jim Paine of Superior, Wisconsin gathered some students at Bryant Elementary today to introduce Millie, the city's new therapy dog. Millie is partnered with Superior Police Department's Community Service Officer Jen Stank.

From Puppy Paws to Helping Hands

Millie is still a puppy, but according to the department "is learning quickly and performing exceptionally." Millie appears to be a doddle of some sort, I'm guessing either a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle.

More than a Furry Face: Millie's Role in the Police Department

The city says that Millie "will serve as a support system for individuals experiencing crises or troubled times." Millie joins the ranks of hundreds, if not thousands, of other police department therapy dogs in use across America.

Unlike their K9 counterparts, trained for the tough stuff like apprehension and detection,
therapy dogs go through a special kind of training, prepping them to handle the unique challenges of a police department setting.

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Therapy Dogs: A Growing Trend in Law Enforcement

Therapy dogs within police departments not only assist the public during times of crisis or troubled times, they can also be a great support system for the officers in the field or back at the police station.

Supporting Officers and Community Through Challenging Times

Since the early 2000s, the use of therapy dogs has exploded at police departments across the nation, as departments and cities put more resources into mental health capacities to help officers deal with situations that arise in daily police work.