Millersville News
Mental Health Matters, 988 Day and resiliency events bring resources and tools to help students understand and cope with mental health issues.
The session spotlighted Millersville’s collective approach to suicide prevention and mental health outreach, drawing on data and practices that have been expanded through the University’s Mental Health Matters initiative.
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. <br /> <br /> Brooks is cared for by his handler, Officer Ivan Gonzalez. He describes Brooks as a carefree, smart and energetic golden. 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.”<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.” <br /> <br /> 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.” <br /> <br /> 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.
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