MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Police Department has a new K9 on the force.
However, this pup is a little different from your average K9.
The job of a police officer is one many take pride in, but after a tough call, things can be challenging. Which is why the Milwaukee Police Department has added a new member to its team to help.
Officer Benjamin Ade has been with the Milwaukee Police Department for the past eight years. He recently found himself in a new position as the wellness team coordinator.
“My role is to kind of be the head peer-support for the team,” Ade said.
Ade is the wellness team coordinator and is in charge of K9 Crush. K9 Crush is the very first therapy dog for officers and staff at MPD. She’s received a warm welcome from officers in her first few months on the job.
“Any time we go, especially to scenes or after critical incidents, just having that non-judgmental, soft, friendly dog there just breaks you out of the norm,” Ade said.
An average day for Officer Ade and K9 Crush involved going to specific districts across the city to help out officers on a bad call or who are having a tough day.
It’s a job that hasn’t gone unnoticed and Ade said it’s really rewarding to be a part of.
“It’s been sometimes overwhelming to get so many requests, but I mean the fact that I get to see her makes so many people happy every day is truly heartwarming,” Ade said.
Each time the duo walks into a district, they are met with a warm welcome. The pair recently visited district five, and K9 Crush ran right up to officer Jocelyn Kalmanson, who had some treats for her.
Kalmanson knows firsthand what it’s like to snuggle up with K9 crush after a difficult day and has done it a handful of times.
“It’s nice because anything soft and fuzzy and furry will instantly bring you joy when you are stressed out. It’s a proven fact. And a dog this sweet and cuddly definitely helps,” Kalmanson said.
The joy that K9 Crush is able to bring is something that Ade said never gets old to witness. K9 Crush is a free service to MPD thanks to a donation from Partners with Paws who donated Crush to the department.
A Wisconsin-based pet food company covers her food, and Kewaskum Veterinary Clinic takes care of K9 Crush’s needs for free.
It’s a group effort to be able to provide the men and women who serve the city of Milwaukee with an outlet to use after a tough day on the job.