The Summit Police Department now has a therapy dog to support officer wellness and provide comfort to crime victims and children visiting the department.
Jasper St. Patrick, a 3-year-old Goldendoodle certified as a therapy dog, made his first official visit to the department in December. His handler, Cynthia Hernandez, a Summit School District 104 school board member, volunteers her time alongside him.
Chief Mel Ortiz said the partnership addresses a critical need.
“Jasper’s exceptional ability to provide comfort and de-stress will undoubtedly make a significant impact on our team,” Ortiz said. “We are grateful to have them join the SPD family.”
Ortiz said Jasper and Hernandez will also support crime victims and children seeking assistance at the department, offering emotional support during difficult moments.
Hernandez explained how Jasper became a therapy dog. At 9 months old, he began basic obedience training at a PetSmart store and earned his American Kennel Club Good Citizen title. A trainer then suggested therapy dog certification.
“Being that Jasper was my first dog, I did not know much about working dogs other than police dogs,” Hernandez said. “It wasn’t long before we enrolled into an intro to therapy dog training program and later received TDI certification.”
At 18 months old, Jasper passed the Therapy Dogs International exam and became a certified therapy dog.
Hernandez said she recognized Jasper’s gentle nature from the moment she brought him home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“From the moment I first held him in my palm, I could tell he was a gentle and loving soul,” she said. “He has since brought so much joy and comfort to us and the many friends he meets along the way. I guess you could say that it’s been his calling to provide comfort and joy from the beginning.”
Jasper will turn 4 on March 17, his Saint Patrick’s Day birthday.
Hernandez said the duo plans to make regular visits to the department once they transition their therapy dog registration to a new organization.
“Our world is fast-paced, and we don’t always take that moment to stop and breathe to reset,” Hernandez said. “We hope to be part of those reset moments—to bring peace and calm when people need it most.”