Submitted Photo Interim Minot Police Chief Dale Plessas and handler Sgt. Caisee Sandusky pose with comfort K9 Freya at Minot City Hall Wednesday.

The Minot Police Department has a new four-legged member in its K9 squad with the recently announced addition of Comfort K9 Freya.

K9 Freya was donated to the department by Bluegrass Bernedoodles, after handler Sgt. Caisee Sandusky connected with the breeder at the 2024 IACP Officer Safety and Wellness Conference.

Freya prepared for her new role by completing general obedience training with Nicole Weatherby at Tandem Dog Training in Minot. Sandusky and Freya traveled to Ohio two weeks ago where they earned three American Kennel Club certifications and their First Response K9 certification.

Freya was officially sworn in as a member of the Minot Police Department on Wednesday, where she fulfilled a role in a broader initiative to expand the tools and resources available to support the mental health and wellness of the department’s officers and staff.

The Comfort K9 program is designed to address the psychological needs of first responders, department

Members and crime or trauma victims. Freya’s presence will provide comfort and emotional support during and after traumatic or critical events, helping ease stress and anxiety in those moments.

According to Minot Police Department information, numerous studies have shown the powerful psychological and physiological benefits of interacting with dogs. Petting dogs and engaging in dog-centered therapy can reduce cortisol levels, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and stress, while increasing endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin. These benefits extend to those coping with trauma and PTSD, making Freya a valuable resource for officers navigating high-stress and emotionally challenging environments.

Beyond officer wellness, Freya will support investigations involving children and adults, provide comfort during community-wide tragedies and serve as a calming presence during debriefings.

The department received a $7,500 grant from the Minot Community Endowment Fund to help cover additional costs for Freya’s care, training and integration.