The Wilmington Police Department has added a new, four-legged member to its Critical Incident Stress Management team: Barry, a Trauma and Wellness Dog.
The 18-month-old English labrador retriever is part of an ongoing effort to improve the mental health of both department staff and community members interacting with Wilmington Police Department’s Victim Services Unit. The department said Barry has already attended community meetings since he joined the force in early May and will go to Wilmington police’s monthly resource fairs.
Lt. Harold Bozeman, commanding officer of the Wilmington Police Department’s Community Engagement Unit and Peer Support Team, serves as Barry’s handler. He said the department has been trying to add a mental health support dog for almost two years.
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“I have already seen Barry making a positive impact on the morale of our officers and staff and I know that he will continue to do so as he settles into his role as a member of our work family,” Bozeman said.
Barry is part of a larger trend among local agencies dealing with crime to incorporate service dogs into their operation.
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The Leonard L. Williams Justice Center courthouse in Wilmington introduced an emotional support dog in February to help calm down people involved in stressful hearings, and Kent County’s Critical Incident Stress Management team added a therapy dog to aid first responders last year.
The New Castle County Police Department has been credited as inspiring these other institutions after the success of their facility assistance dog Nikko, who has been supporting cops and community members alike since 2018.
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“I believe strongly in the importance of ensuring the health and wellness of our residents,” said Wilmington Police Department Chief Wilfredo Campos, “as well as the first responders and civilian staff — both on the street and behind the scenes — who protect and serve our city.”
Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman.
