City employees are joined by well-trained K-9s that assist in their duties.
On National Dog Day, it’s a fitting time to highlight the teams that collaborate with trained dogs. These K-9s play a vital role in supporting city employees and helping them accomplish their tasks.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Therapy Dogs
In February 2023, EMS launched a Therapy Dog Program aimed at boosting mental health resilience. Developed by career medic Taylor Jones, the program has expanded to include 13 dogs that visit EMS personnel and local hospital staff. Managing the program requires scheduling resilience shifts, fostering relationships with the dogs’ owners, and arranging therapy dog visits following high-pressure response calls.
Police K9 Unit
The Virginia Beach Police Department’s K-9 unit aids patrol officers and responds to critical incidents such as burglaries and missing persons. The team comprises 14 patrol dog handlers, with five K-9s trained in explosives, three in narcotics, and three deployed during SWAT operations.
Police Comfort Dogs
Comfort dogs play a crucial role in enhancing officer well-being by mitigating the lasting effects of trauma and stress. In 2021, an English Labrador named Geo (“Gigi”) and a golden retriever named Simba were officially sworn in as law enforcement officers. Their handlers, two master police officers, also facilitate the comfort dog program.
The presence of these furry companions is invaluable to both our workforce and the community.
Explore job opportunities at virginiabeach.gov/careers.