Bringing Comfort, Connection, and Compassion to the Smithfield Community

Grace is the Smithfield Police Department's Therapy Dog, serving as a trusted ambassador who strengthens relationships between law enforcement and the community through compassion, education, and emotional support. Whether she's comforting someone during a difficult moment, visiting schools, participating in community events, or supporting first responders, Grace helps create positive interactions that build trust and strengthen the connection between the Smithfield Police Department and the people it serves.

Grace demonstrates that policing is about more than responding to emergencies—it's about caring for people, promoting wellness, and fostering meaningful community relationships.

What Does a Police Therapy Dog Do?

Unlike police K-9s trained for patrol, detection, or apprehension, a police therapy dog is specially trained to provide comfort and emotional support in a variety of settings. Grace works alongside members of the Smithfield Police Department to:

• Provide comfort following traumatic or stressful events

• Support victims, witnesses, and families during difficult situations

• Visit schools to promote safety, kindness, and positive relationships with law enforcement

• Participate in community events and public outreach programs

• Support officer wellness and help reduce workplace stress

• Encourage positive interactions between police officers and community members

Grace's calm demeanor and friendly personality help people of all ages feel more comfortable during challenging situations.

Community Outreach

Community engagement is one of Grace's most important roles.

You may see Grace participating in:

• School visits and educational presentations

• National Night Out events

• Community festivals

• Library programs

• Youth organizations

• Senior center visits

• Public safety demonstrations

• Mental health and wellness events

• Holiday celebrations

• Department open houses

These visits help strengthen relationships between the Smithfield Police Department and the community while providing opportunities for education, conversation, and connection.

Supporting Mental Health and Wellness

Research continues to demonstrate the positive impact therapy dogs can have on emotional well-being. Grace helps create a welcoming environment that encourages conversation, reduces anxiety, and provides comfort during stressful situations.

Her presence may help people:

• Feel calmer during difficult conversations

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Build confidence when interacting with police officers

• Experience emotional support after traumatic events

• Feel more comfortable participating in community programs

Grace also supports the wellness of first responders by providing moments of comfort during demanding workdays.

Grace's Training

As a professional therapy dog, Grace has been carefully trained to remain calm, confident, and focused in a wide variety of public environments. She is comfortable around crowds, children, medical equipment, loud noises, and other everyday distractions while maintaining excellent manners and a friendly temperament.

Her training emphasizes:

• Excellent public manners

• Calm behavior around distractions

• Friendly, appropriate greetings

• Confidence in busy environments

• Safe interactions with people of all ages

• Professional behavior during community events

Meet Grace at a Community Event

Grace loves meeting members of the Smithfield community. Whether she's visiting a local school, attending a public event, or participating in a community outreach program, she enjoys helping people feel welcome and supported.

If you see Grace during a visit, feel free to say hello. Members of the department will be happy to answer questions about Grace's role and how therapy dogs help strengthen community policing.

Follow Grace's Journey

Grace is proud to serve the residents of Smithfield with kindness, compassion, and professionalism. Through community outreach, education, and emotional support, she helps make positive connections that strengthen the partnership between the Smithfield Police Department and the community.

Whether she's visiting a classroom, attending a community event, or simply bringing a smile to someone's face, Grace reminds us that even small moments of compassion can make a lasting difference.

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming community event!