Fulton County Sheriff's Office introduces facility therapy K9 program

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the launch of a new and progressive initiative: the addition of a certified Law Enforcement Therapy K9 to the department.

This unique facility therapy dog will not serve in traditional detection or apprehension roles but will instead provide comfort, emotional support, and therapeutic engagement—a vital and growing service in modern policing.

This specially trained K9 will operate under the care of up to four certified handlers within our department and will rotate across several divisions, including Detention, Patrol, Dispatch, and Community Outreach. Its core mission is to provide emotional support to both our personnel and the public, especially during high-stress incidents, trauma responses, staff wellness initiatives, and community engagement events.

Certified law enforcement therapy K9s have proven effective in:

• Supporting the mental health of staff working in high-stress environments;

• Providing comfort to individuals in crisis, including victims, inmates, or those affected by traumatic events;

• Enhancing officer and community interactions, particularly with youth, seniors, and vulnerable populations;

• Assisting in de-escalation during emotionally charged or tense situations.

“This is an exciting step for our office,” said Sheriff Travis Heishman. “Law enforcement is evolving, and it's more important than ever to prioritize mental wellness—both within our department and throughout the community we serve. A therapy K9 will be a powerful tool in breaking down barriers, providing comfort, and improving overall well-being in difficult moments.”

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has selected Ultimate Canine, located in Westfield, Indiana, as the provider and training facility for the program. According to their expert trainers, identifying the ideal K9 match for our needs could take up to a year, as temperament, training aptitude, and handler compatibility are critical for success. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to community-focused, service-oriented policing that builds trust, supports staff, and enhances public safety through innovative and compassionate means. We are currently accepting public donations to help support this program, including the purchase, training, and ongoing care of the therapy K9.

For those interested in supporting or learning more about the program, please contact the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at 574-223-2819 or email t.heishman@co.fulton.in .