In 2020, the Stayton Police Department welcomed Comfort K9, Atlas, to the community.
A Comfort K9 is a facility dog that works at the station with First Responders. As you know, First Responders are exposed to stress and trauma in their jobs. Comfort K9s in the facility help First Responders decompress during their workday and enhance their work life and personal life. Job-related trauma had been proven to increase poor job performance, staff burnout, turnover, depression, and suicide. Atlas is here to increase the emotional wellness of our officers and City staff.
Another goal is to have Atlas at events to interact with the community and help break down perceived barriers between First Responders and the public.
We look forward to the opportunity to introduce Atlas to you; if you see us out and about, please wave us down and say hello.