Lake Forest Police announced they are training a new St. Bernard to work as a trained comfort dog, and they are seeking help from the public to name him.
Dana Olson, Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Lake Forest Police Department, said the male St. Bernard puppy will accompany department Social Worker Lauren Perez on mental health-related calls within the community.
Olson said the department responded to 538 mental health-related calls for service in 2024, marking a clear indication of the growing need for compassionate and innovative resources like comfort dogs.
The addition of a comfort dog will help provide emotional support during these high-stress situations, benefit officer wellness, and enhance community engagement efforts, Olson said.
“There’s no question that police work takes a toll on emotional well-being,” Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke said. “This comfort dog program is an important step forward – not just in how we support our team, but in how we connect with and care for the Lake Forest community.”
The choice of a St. Bernard was intentional, Olson said. Originally bred in the Swiss Alps, St. Bernards are known for their calm, affectionate nature and remarkable emotional intuition.
Despite their size, they’re famously gentle, especially with children, Olson said. They also excel in training environments, making the breed especially well-suited for high-stress situations that require empathy, patience, and calm.
“Having a comfort dog on the force will help build trust in difficult moments,” Perez said. “Whether we’re responding to a mental health crisis or offering support after a traumatic event, this dog will be a steady, comforting presence for the people we serve – and for the officers who serve them.”
Comfort dogs are increasingly used by law enforcement agencies nationwide to help alleviate the psychological stress experienced by first responders and those affected by trauma, Olson said.
The role of the new dog will conform to the role of other comfort canines, Olson said, which includes providing emotional support during and after critical incidents, reducing anxiety for residents and officers, enhancing communication during sensitive investigations, and offering a positive presence during community engagement and outreach.
The Lake Forest Police Department is inviting the public to help choose the perfect name for the new dog. Community members can cast their vote in a short online survey at cityoflakeforest.com/HelpNameLFPDComfortDog.
“This program is more than just about one dog – it’s about how we approach mental health, wellness, and community trust,” Burke said. “We’re proud to take this next step with Social Worker Perez leading the effort.”