Tucker now outranks almost everyone in a police department with 65 officers.
A post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) service dog named Tucker welcomed the new year with a new rank at the police department he works for. Tucker has shown diligence ever since he started doing his duties last fall, helping both the officers and community members feel at ease. A walking (and barking) ray of sunshine, Tucker shows us the importance of service dogs in improving mental health and fostering resilience in the police force.
On Monday, January 6, 2025, a two-year old golden retriever named Tucker was promoted to the rank of Major. According to Patrolman Ben Bastow, Tucker has been instrumental when providing comfort to victims of crime. Bastow further added that having a dog walk around the department makes everyone feel at ease, and sometimes, even just by looking at Tucker a smile would erupt on someone’s face.
The service dog now outranks his handlers and most of the officers at the Millcreek Township Police Department. Chief Carter Mook, who recommended the promotion, said that Tucker has become popular not just within the department but also outside of it. There were times that people with no need of law enforcement service simply stop by the police station to say hello to the service dog, Mook added.
Tucker started reporting for duty last August 2024, with a work schedule of Monday through Friday. He reports with a handler, from 8 AM to 4 PM to interact with the public.
Tucker’s Work Duties
Tucker was donated to the police department by the Erie Humane Society, a non-profit no-kill animal shelter in Pennsylvania. When Tucker joined the force, he has become responsible for helping community members experiencing trauma, as well as the police officers.
Aside from being popular among the public, Tucker is always with one of the police officers, either following them around or at their feet. Township Supervisor Kim Clear noted that it’s great to see the reaction of the officers after coming back from something difficult, and there goes Tucker offering a comforting presence. The service dog never fails to bring positivity while doing his rounds, not just in the department, but the entire township building.
Other duties of Tucker include visiting public schools and attending events like fundraisers for the Erie Humane Society and Second Harvest Food Bank.
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What PTSD Service Dogs Are Trained For
PTSD service dogs are trained to identify stress signals from the owner. When these dogs recognize symptoms of anxiety, they will then perform tasks that could disrupt the anxiety behavior. These tasks include pawing, nudging, and licking the handler or the person until they redirect their focus to the dog and away from their anxiety.
Depending on the training received, a PTSD service dog could also help with dissociation. When a person is in a dissociative state, a service dog guides them back home or to an exit or any safe place. In a way, a service dog helps struggling individuals become more self-sufficient and live independently, and this is especially true for military members and veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD.
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From The Club
I’m so happy for Tucker who very much deserves his promotion! I believe his comforting presence is a huge asset for the police department, because let’s be real, it’s not easy dealing with violations, crimes, and other wrongdoings on a daily basis. Thankfully, Major Tucker is always there to relieve anxiety and stress. What a good boy!