(Douglas County, CO) The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is proud to officially welcome Guster, a specially trained therapy dog, as the newest member of its robust School Resource Officer (SRO) program. Guster was generously donated by Freedom Service Dogs, marking the first time the nonprofit has placed a therapy dog with a school resource officer. The one-and-a-half-year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever was officially sworn in by Sheriff Darren Weekly: Link to Swearing in Ceremony
Guster, a friendly and highly trained canine companion, will work alongside Deputy Corbin at Cresthill Middle School to support the emotional and mental well-being of students. His presence is expected to enhance trust, improve communication, and help students navigate challenges in a safe and approachable way.
“We’re incredibly excited to introduce Guster to our students,” said Sheriff Darren Weekly. “Our SRO program is one of the strongest in the state, and Guster brings a new and powerful tool to help us connect with students, support their mental health, and strengthen the relationship between youth and law enforcement.”
Freedom Service Dogs, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, trains and places assistance dogs with people in need. Guster’s placement marks a milestone for both the organization and the sheriff’s office, combining the missions of public safety and emotional support in a unique and impactful way. Freedom Service Dogs
“This is the first time we are placing a dog with a school resource officer. The value of that to the community will be magnified by each and every interaction every day. At Freedom Service Dogs, we custom breed and custom train dogs and very specifically and intentionally place dogs with the right partnership. In this circumstance, we’re incredibly proud to be helping partnerships in schools, and we hope to continue to do more of that,” said Freedom Service Dogs CEO Chris Nelson.
“Thank you to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for allowing us to have Deputy Corbin. The SRO program has been absolutely critical in all schools, especially ours. His presence and connection with our kids is incredible. The kids love him and trust him. They use him as a resource and go to him for advice. The SRO program has been incredible. This is just icing on the cake for us. To have this added piece, for kids to have a friendly face, a wagging tail, adding that comfort is going to be a game-changer at Cresthill. We are thrilled,” said Cresthill Principal Francesca Pappalardo.
With Guster now on duty, the DCSO continues to innovate and expand the ways its SROs serve Douglas County’s youth—not just through safety and law enforcement, but through compassion and connection.