Last spring, Alpha Pack K9s reached out to the Millersville University Police Department (MUPD) with an opportunity. The nonprofit organization, which is based in Elizabethtown, specializes in training canines to support combat veterans and law enforcement officers who have service-related disabilities. Alpha Pack invited MUPD to apply for a program that involves training a dog to join the force and to assist officers while they are on duty. The police department sent in an application and began to work on a new policy for service canines.

Shortly after MUPD finished its application and its new policy, officers welcomed their newest colleague to the team: a golden retriever named Brooks. Brooks was five months old at the time, and MUPD signed a contract to have him for six years. The department gave each of its members an opportunity to serve as Brooks' handler, but the role was claimed by officer Ivan Gonzalez. After 10 months and hours of training, Gonzalez and his four-legged partner have become an inseparable duo that has made a positive impact in the community.

"In some ways, I knew what I was signing up for. But I had never done this before," said Gonzalez. "I thought it would be fantastic to work with an animal. (Brooks and I) work almost every shift together." Gonzalez added that his fellow officers often voice their disappointment on the rare occasion that he comes to work without Brooks.

Gonzalez's decision to adopt Brooks was largely influenced by the type of service dog that he would become. Brooks is not being trained to catch criminals or to sniff out bombs or drugs; his job is to de-escalate situations and to comfort individuals who have experienced something traumatic. According to Gonzalez, Brooks' kind and approachable nature serve him well in his role. "Other kinds of police dogs can add to the intimidation factor when arriving at an incident," said Gonzalez, who noted that even just the presence of a police officer can make people uneasy. "But when I respond to a call on campus and ask students if they want to see Brooks, their faces light up." In addition to providing assistance for civilians, Brooks improves morale at the police station by supporting officers who have responded to violent and traumatic calls.

Brooks frequently accompanies Gonzalez to various events and sports games at Millersville University, contributing to his status as the school's unofficial mascot. Brooks was even named after a building on campus, and his name was chosen by a vote among students. When Brooks is off the clock, he stays with Gonzalez at his home in Lancaster. Although Brooks has gained some experience in the field, his training will continue for another 10 months.

To learn more about Brooks or to support his care with a donation, visit http://tinyurl.com/MUPDbrooks.