Photo is courtesy of Chris Howell with the Sedalia Democrat

The Sedalia Police Department announced on Thursday, that there is a new member to the department.

Kyah is a year and a half old yellow lab that has been provided by Retrieving Freedom. Kyah will serve the department and the community as a therapy dog.

According to Retrieving Freedom, while Kyah was not suited for life as a service dog she would be ideal for this role.

Therapy K9s have a way of assisting first responders with relieving stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, and simply help reduce the state of hyper-vigilance that they frequently deal with. Kyah will also help law enforcement create bonds with those in the community that may struggle to feel comfortable around those in uniform particularly children or those with special needs. There are times that someone is in a crisis and Kyah will help build that connection with that individual so that officers may be able to establish that rapport thus allowing them to better understand and provide them with the assistance they may need.

Police Department Therapy K9s are a fairly new concept to law enforcement, especially in Missouri. The Sedalia Police Department truly believes in utilizing any resource that can aid in the welfare of its officers and the welfare of those in the community.