Comfort Dogs Bring Connection, Calm, and Practical Support at Crime Prevention Conference

The Midwestern States Crime Prevention Conference, presented by the Ohio Crime Prevention Association, brought together law enforcement professionals and community partners focused on one shared goal: building safer communities.

Among the many impactful sessions, one stood out for its unique blend of compassion and real-world application:

Comfort Dogs – Serving Together
Led by Nancy Borders, Top Dog, Trinity, Toledo, OH, and Linda Lewis, the session highlighted how LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are actively supporting officer wellness, crisis response, and community care while offering practical ways agencies can begin partnerships immediately.

Practical Support That Meets Real Needs
The presentation focused on simple, actionable ways Comfort Dog teams can integrate into existing systems of care.

From roll calls to crisis scenes, Comfort Dogs are already making an impact in:

Officer Wellness
Regular visits—before and after shifts, during wellness days, and following critical incidents—help officers decompress and process stress in healthy ways.

“Comfort Dogs give officers a moment to breathe… and something positive to take home to their families.”

Dispatch & First Responders
911 dispatchers and first responders, often overlooked in wellness efforts, benefit from brief but meaningful interactions that help reset during high-pressure shifts.

Schools
By building relationships before a crisis, Comfort Dogs help create environments where students and staff feel safe, open, and connected.

Crisis Response
From school tragedies to community loss, Comfort Dogs provide a calming presence in moments of shock, grief, and uncertainty—helping people process what words often cannot.

Victim Support
Whether in interviews, courtrooms, or waiting rooms, Comfort Dogs create a safe, comforting space for individuals experiencing trauma.

A Message That Resonated
The impact of the session deepened when a retired police officer and military veteran shared personal insight into the realities of stress and trauma in law enforcement.

His message was clear:
even those trained to be strong and composed need space to process—and permission to do so.

“Even strong, reserved officers need an outlet for stress and trauma… and Comfort Dogs help open that door.”

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Impact Beyond the Breakout Session
The influence of the Comfort Dog teams extended far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the conference:

• Attendees returned again and again to spend time with the dogs
• Conversations shifted from casual to deeply personal
• Barriers came down—quickly and naturally
  
  

Some attendees simply sat on the floor beside a dog, moving from one to another, taking in moments of peace during a busy conference.

“It was hard to tell who enjoyed it more—the attendees or the dogs.”

Handlers also noted meaningful moments:

• One attendee later looked up the Bible verses connected to the dogs’ names
• Others were surprised to learn this support was available in their own communities
• Many openly shared stories of stress, loss, and resilience

A Shift in Perspective
For some team members, the conference itself was eye-opening.

What initially seemed like an unexpected venue—a crime prevention conference—quickly revealed a deeper truth:

“Now I understand… prevention isn’t just about stopping crime. It’s about caring for people.”

By simply being present, the Comfort Dog teams helped:

• Build awareness of the ministry
• Form new community and law enforcement connections
• Demonstrate how emotional support plays a role in prevention

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Moving Forward Together

The response from attendees confirmed something powerful:

Comfort Dogs are more than a moment of comfort—they are a bridge.

A bridge between:

• Stress and relief
• Isolation and connection
• Crisis and healing 

As these partnerships continue to grow, Comfort Dog teams will play an increasingly vital role in supporting both those who serve—and the communities they protect. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the support of conference leadership, including a letter of appreciation from Dan Katt, Conference Co-Chair.  CLICK HERE to read the letter.