The Thornton Police Department is proud to introduce its newest team member, Donut, a specially trained therapy K-9 serving alongside the department’s co-responder unit to support mental health and crisis response calls.
“Donut is another reflection of our commitment to innovative and compassionate policing,” said Thornton Police Chief Jim Baird. “By integrating a therapy K-9 into our co-responder program, Thornton continues to prioritize advanced support to our community during mental health crises.”
Donut comes to Thornton PD from the ConnorsK9–P.A.W.S. Law Enforcement Mental Health Response Therapy Dog Program. The black Labrador puppy is currently in training and, once placed, will become one of only a handful of law enforcement mental health response dogs in Colorado.
His training is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the Thornton community. Through advanced socialization, therapy certification preparation, and scenario-based training with responders, Donut is being developed to maximize his impact as a calming presence for both officers and community members during difficult situations.
The Thornton Police Department’s co-responder program, launched in October 2023, identified early on the benefits of incorporating a therapy dog into crisis response efforts. Officer Antillon and Clinician Pronio were selected as Donut’s handlers and will guide him through onboarding and deployment.