OKLAHOMA CITY – Major Sergeant Scott Pope of the Oklahoma City Police Department and his K9 Will have become the first Advanced Critical Incident Response Team in the country, the department announced on Facebook.
The CIRT program, K9s For Freedom & Independence, was founded by Janeen Baggette, a medic combat Veteran, law enforcement officer and multidisciplinary K9 handler.
“CIRT K9s are not just dogs; they are lifesavers, morale boosters, and quiet reminders to prioritize mental and emotional well-being,” said Baggette. “By embracing their support, first responders can better manage the challenges of their roles, build resilience, and ultimately improve their quality of life—on and off duty.”…