Officer Rich Miller with the Orland Park Police Department constantly understood Leo, the department’s treatment dog, was a good boy. But today, the rural convenience dog made his week made nationwide acknowledgment — and a grant to help him continue doing his crucial work.
Leo, a 8 month old black Labrador Retriever, signed up with the Orland Park Police Department in Sept. of 2021after going through training at Paws & Stripes, a rehab and dog obedience program linked to the Brevard County Sherriff’s Office in Florida.
And in simply 2 brief years, Leo has actually made a huge effect around Orland Park, checking out all over from close-by schools to the bedsides of hurt officers.
In July 2022, he went to Chicago Police Officer Danny Golden, who was disabled after he was shot while off-duty, at a bar in Beverly. Leo likewise went to Highland Park, after the disaster on the Fourth of July.
“We were at Highland Park High School connecting with those impacted by the shooting… whether they were victims , relative or law-enforcement officers, Leo existed and supplied some much-needed convenience,” Miller said.
This previous spring, Leo supplied some much required convenience when Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso was killed in the line of task.
“We reacted with the 100 club of Illinois to Mount Sinai Hospital, the night that he was killed,” said Miller. “While we remained in the emergency clinic, we were was appointed to the family and engaged with the family. Unfortunately, his spouse was not in the area then… however she connected to the 100 club and asked Leo be at the Wake and funeral service with her.”
Earlier this month, Leo ended up being a prospect to receive an Aftermath K9 grantworth $5,000. Winners of the grant, which supports the development of K9 systems at any company throughout the U.S., are talented funds to continue operating in the neighborhood.
Although Leo was participated in the contest in 2022, he didn’t come away with a bone. This year nevertheless, Leo snatched a 2nd location area; one of 2 Illinois dogs to make it as a finalist.
Dogs from 28 companies were participated in the grant contest this year. Online ballot opened to the general public in May, and closed previously this month.
As part of Leo’s win, the Orland Park Police Department will receive $1,000 from the grant. Other 2nd location winners consist of treatment dogs from the Oviedo Police Department out of Florida, the Hibbing Police Department, out of Minnesota, and the Illinois Wisconsin Search Dogs out of Woodstock.
Leo and Miller will make a look on NBC Chicago TODAY early morning news Friday. Keep seeing the video above to see their look.
