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In September 2023, Millersville University Police Department swore in its first Trauma K-9, Brooks. K-9 Brooks is a 3-year-old golden retriever trained to help those who need emotional support directly after a traumatic event. He helps reduce stress and anxiety by demonstrating affection while exercising restraint. Trauma K-9’s also provide comfort to law enforcement who often work in stressful environments.
Brooks is cared for by his handler, MUPD Officer Ivan Gonzalez. He describes Brooks as a carefree, smart and energetic golden, noting that he is the “most comedic” of his five canine siblings. Brooks is also described as a people lover, often checking in with everyone he meets and immersing himself in groups. “His job is victim advocacy,” says Gonzalez. “He has a broad umbrella [of duties], but that’s the main part of it. Brooks enjoys being there for someone who is in distress. He also just loves being with people; that is his priority. If there is a room full of people, he will instinctively go and check on each person.”
Since becoming a trauma K-9, Brooks’ training is maintained by Gonzalez through “consistent upkeep.” He works with Brooks about 16 hours a month, reinforcing his obedience and restraint training. “I am reinforcing what he has already learned,” Gonzalez explains, “and I try to [come at it from] different angles. For example, one day we were doing fetch as an obedience and a restraint exercise. I throw the ball, he gets it, but on the way back I break his routine and say ‘Sit.’ There’s no leash, and there’s lots of possibilities and temptations. The first time he wouldn’t, but I’m trying to develop him so that if something happens, he just quickly hears the command and, regardless of what he wants to do, he stops.”
Outside of his professional work, Brooks is very talented at fetch, catch and the classic act of balancing a treat on his forehead. Additionally, Brooks is an expert at catching his own tail. On campus, Brooks “loves the softball field. We do a lot of fetching there, he and I,” says Gonzalez. He also enjoys seeing his “good friend” Button, director of campus recreation Allison Yarrow’s certified therapy dog. In October, the MU community will celebrate his birthday at the dog’s annual “Birthday Bash.”
Gonzalez describes being Brooks’ canine officer as “dynamic.” As an officer, he feels that Brooks has taught him “how to slow down. Officers can kind of go one thing to the next,” he explains, “but him physically being my responsibility, along with how the community reacts to him, has taught me to slow down and remain in the present moment.”
Additionally, Gonzalez feels that Brooks has brought him closer to the community he serves as an officer. “I have a different day than some officers,” he says. “I can’t stay inside my cruiser all day. Being Brooks’ handler involves stepping out a lot, even if it’s just walking him around. Sometimes if I show up somewhere, I won’t be able to go twenty feet, but I have to relish that because I get to meet people in the community, hear so many different stories and see Brooks at his happiest.”
Gonzalez encourages students to reach out to MUPD and see how Brooks is doing. “If you want him to be involved with anything on or off campus, please don’t hesitate to ask,” he says. Those willing to donate can support Brooks via his fundraiser. In addition, he has an official T-shirt at the Millersville University store, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the MUPD Trauma Dog Fund. To best keep up with Brooks’ adventures, be sure to follow him on Instagram @brooks_mupd.
