Ezmae, a 1-year-old golden retriever, has joined the 51ΑΤΖζ Police force as its first K-9 officer. She was sworn in at a ceremony with her handler, Officer Mindy Wucherer, at the 51ΑΤΖζ Student Unionβs Fireside Lounge earlier this month.
Ezmae is a certified facility-trained dog, a type of service dog specializing in an educational environment. Her training allows her to assist students, staff and anyone else suffering from depression, being a crime victim or dealing with any type of stressful event.
Wucherer, who has been with the 51ΑΤΖζ Police Department for nearly seven years, proposed a facility/comfort K-9 program for 51ΑΤΖζ police to help the departmentβs mission of serving the needs of an engaged university community.
βDuring the past few years, I noticed police agencies started specifically incorporating comfort dogs in their departments,β Wucherer said. βI began researching the benefits of these types of K-9s and found nothing but positive feedback from departments that implemented them. I am grateful 51ΑΤΖζPD and the university agreed that a facility/comfort K-9 would be a great addition to our campus.β
donated Ezmae to 51ΑΤΖζPD and is also donating the training needed for her certification.
Ezmae and Wucherer will attend various campus events to greet the 51ΑΤΖζ community, including a Fall Welcome meet-and-greet on Sept. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 51ΑΤΖζ Student Union. Ezmae will have another meet-and-greet at Campus Safety Day on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spaights Plaza. Ezmae will gladly welcome cuddles, behind-the-ear scratches and belly rubs. Μύ
