Two K9s are first addition to new unit providing comfort in crisis, Lee sheriff says

Compassion during a crisis now arrives on four paws. Trained to comfort those experiencing a mental health crisis or the loss of a relative, two K9s recently joined the Lee County Sheriff's Office under a specialized unit.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno on Wednesday announced the K9s, golden retrievers Lawrence and Rollie, were acquired from Golden PAWS Crisis Care Canines , in Naples.

Golden PAWS Crisis Care, founded in 2012, provides service or assistance dogs to combat wounded veterans, first responders and children with life-changing disabilities, according to their website.

Marceno said the furry assistants come at no cost.

"I understand the importance of putting our residents first, supporting those in need across diverse environments," Marceno said Wednesday.

Marceno said the pair aims to help those who have suffered from a traumatic event, lost a loved one or have been diagnosed with mental illness. He said the sheriff's office has roughly 30 K9s with varying functions, including detection of explosives and narcotics.

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"Each canine is very specialized," Marceno said.

The sheriff said Lawrence and Rollie are the first additions to a newly formed Crisis Care K9 Unit.

"It focuses on the social services aspect of police work," Marceno said. He later added the K9s will not respond to active crime scenes, citing the dogs' safety.

Marceno said the K9s' handlers have received specialized training, which will help them offer support to victims.

"This is a referral service to individuals in crisis when a non-violent person is experiencing trauma," Marceno said.

Marceno said the sheriff's office will work alongside a group of trained health professionals to make up the response team.

The sheriff said Lawrence and Rollie will continue to train with the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Before their arrival at the sheriff's office, Marceno said, the four-legged assistants have had more than two years of training in crisis situations.

"You can see how obedient they are," Marceno said. "They're just beautiful."

Marceno said he expects more K9s will join them.

"I'm a dog lover," Marceno said. "I'm an animal lover. I have dogs running around headquarters everywhere."

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran , Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews .

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Two K9s are first addition to new unit providing comfort in crisis, Lee sheriff says