Sheriff’s department welcomes facility dog

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman has announced the newest member of the sheriff’s department – a facility dog named CJ.

Bingaman said facility dogs are companion dogs trained to enhance stress-management techniques and be a calming presence. He said research shows the relationship between dogs and law-enforcement officers can have positive influence on the ability to prepare for and recover from stressful incidents.

Bingaman said he is grateful to the community partners who helped make CJ a part of the department’s overall wellness program. Specifically, he acknowledged St. Joseph County United Way, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #106 and St. Joseph County Veterans’ Affairs.