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University Police

 

Pawfficer Therapy Dog Program

Illinois State University Police launched its first therapy dog in 2019. This highly trained, four-legged "Pawfficer" builds bridges between officers and the community, sharing unconditional love at safety, educational, and community events.

Meet Pawfficer Korg, the newest Pawfficer and member of the  department's Community Engagement Unit. After completing over 1,250 hours of training, he’s paws-itivly ready to serve the campus and beyond.

 

Pawfficer Korg rolls for a belly rub

All About Pawfficer Korg

Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Pawfficer Korg and the therapy dog program.

When will Pawfficer Korg arrive? 
University Police is working closely with our training partner, SIT Service Dogs, to complete the final stages of training for both the dog and our staff. Pawfficer Korg is scheduled to graduate from his "academy" on March 21, during which he and his handlers will learn to work as a team. After that, they'll hone their teamwork and the campus will begin to see them out and about together as they finish their "field training".

Who trained the Pawfficer? 
SIT Service Dogs, based in Ava, Illinois, trained Pawfficer Korg —just as they did for Pawfficer Sage. These dogs complete over 1,250 hours of certified training to prepare for their role in serving our campus community.  

Where can I see more pictures? 
Follow along with Pawfficer Korg's training and introduction to campus on Instagram and TikTok at ISUPolice. 

What skills does Pawfficer Korg have? 
Like Sage, Korg is a therapy dog, trained to provide comfort, build community, and spread unconditional love. He does not have drug detection or apprehension training. 

How can I request to meet with Pawfficer Korg?
Registered Student Organizations and Departments can request a meet-and-greet with the Community Engagement Unit and the Pawfficer by filling out a form on our website or through the Safe Redbirds App. Due to high demand, we appreciate your patience and flexibility when scheduling. 

Where does Pawfficer Korg live? 
Pawfficer Korg is a facility dog. He lives at the police department, provided his own living space, toys, and 24/7 care. 

Is there an event for the new Pawfficer I can attend? 
Absolutely! Join us on April 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Spotlight Room to welcome Pawfficer Korg to campus. More details will be posted to Redbird Life soon!

We are a police department interested in a therapy dog program. Who can I reach out to for more information?
Please contact Sergeant Mike Gardner, who oversees our Community Engagement Unit. He'll start the conversation and connect you with a few of our team to talk process, marketing, and budget. We'd love you to come visit and ride-along with Pawfficer Korg!

  • Pawfficer Sage.

    Pawfficer Sage

    She's the certified good girl who started it all.

    Pawfficer Sage proudly served as our first ever Outreach K9 from 2019 until her well-deserved retirement in 2024. After completing over 1200 hours of specialized training with SIT Service Dogs in Ava, Illinois, she joined Illinois State University Police thanks to the support of a successful Hatch fundraising campaign. Whether she was curled up under a blanket in the Deputy Chief's office or out building relationships with our Redbird community, Sage always found ways to brighten our days.

    Thanks to the incredible generosity of an alumna and our community, the 2021 Birds Give Back campaign funded the Susan, Darrell, Sadie, and Samantha Cameron Community Engagement Endowment. This endowment ensures that Illinois State University will always have an Outreach K9 to carry on the Pawfficer program.

    Give to the Cameron Community Engagement Endowment