Moe, Crystal Police’s Newest Member, Provides Mental Health Boost
Some people put in so many hours at work that it feels like they live at the office. But the newest member of the Crystal Police Department literally calls police headquarters his permanent home.
“Moe stays here 24/7. We all pitch in to help out with feeding, with taking him outside, going on walks,” said Sgt. Brandon Dorr of the Crystal Police Dept.
Moe is Crystal’s new, 5-year-old, ‘facility dog.’ He joined the department on Jan. 8, and according to Dorr, Moe is a good boy with a relaxed personality who loves belly rubs.
“Moe’s not here to be an inconvenience. He’s not here to make anybody more anxious. He’s here to help,” Dorr said.
Moe helps Crystal officers deal with the day-to-day stress that comes with the job. In the early going, the feedback has been positive.
“If you turn the corner and you see Moe, everybody smiles,” Dorr said. “And that’s not always the case around a police department.”
The Crystal Police Department acquired Moe, a 5-year-old, ‘facility dog, from Project Delta on January 8.
Moe comes courtesy of Project Delta, an organization dedicated to pairing veterans and first responders with rescue dogs to help improve their mental health. It underscores how far things have come since Dorr began his career 15 years ago.
“When I started, we really didn’t have anything for mental health,” said Dorr. “It was a mindset of, this is part of the job, you deal with it. You know, you get through the day, you go home safe, and that was enough. And that’s not the case.”
Moe’s permanent presence at Crystal police headquarters is part of a culture shift to help provide more mental health resources to first responders.
“Mental health, mental wellness, has become very important — and this is just one extra thing we’re doing,” said Dorr.
Dorr says that sometime in the future, they may let Moe come along on service calls to help provide comfort to folks experiencing anxiety. Meanwhile, if any animal lovers out there feel compelled to donate dog toys or treats to the Crystal Police Department, they’re welcome to do so.
Related: Longtime Crystal Police Chief To Retire
