(ST. JOHN’S, NL), July 14, 2020 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) are launching the RNC Support Dog Services, and introducing our first RNC support dog, Stella.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has geared its growth toward breaking down barriers, building relationships, and adapting to the needs of our community. We also recognize the needs within our organization as it relates to operational stress injury, and critical incident stress. It is paramount that we provide a response to these issues, and allow our community to engage in this response to promote the wellbeing of our community as a whole.
We are pleased to announce that we are launching the RNC Support Dog Services, and introducing our support dog, Stella, who received her name in honour of Stella Burry. Stella Burry was a pioneering social worker, who made an outstanding contribution to her community, and to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Stella is a Portuguese Water Dog, selected for the breed’s intelligence and behavior characteristics specific to the support dog role.
Support dogs provide a level of care that is beyond compare, and along with innate abilities, Stella will receive training which will equip her with the ability to detect and support persons in need. Stella is here for our officers, victims and survivors of violence, those struggling with their mental health, and those who simply require some comfort. Stella will be utilized within our justice system, in partnership with Victim Services NL. Stella will help provide reassurance, and have a calming effect on victims and witnesses during court procedures.
Stella and her handler, Cst. Krista Fagan, will be working with trainer, and retired Staff Sergeant of the RNC, Mike Adams, in a community oriented training program. If you see Stella out and about, we want you to help us familiarize her with our community. Stella is currently 17 weeks old, and her community engagement is an important part of her training.
We wish to send a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Jim Hynes for his continuous support with progressive approaches in utilizing canines to build safe and healthy communities. Mr. Hynes has provided significant investment in to our Police Dog Service in the past, and now with the new RNC Support Dog Services.
The RNC will continue its work to seek progressive approaches to caring and communicating with our community. We remain focused on providing services suiting the needs of our friends and families. Stella is very excited to meet you all!
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Cst. James Cadigan #775
Media Relations Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
(709) 729-8658
