The story of Holly, the Orland Park Police Department’s newest therapy dog, is a true “rags-to-riches” journey that reached a historic milestone last week.
Holly, a 1-year-old mixed breed, began her journey as a rescue dog in a Cook County shelter. Her path to public service started with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office “Tails of Redemption” program, where she was trained by inmates in basic obedience, giving both the dog and the trainers a sense of purpose and a fresh start.
The program, led by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board in partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, certified 11 therapy canine teams from seven agencies across Illinois. It marks a significant step forward in how law enforcement agencies respond to individuals in crisis…