In honor of National Service Dog Month, we’re shining the spotlight on Haven, a special member of the Overland Park Police Department’s Crisis Action Team. Haven, a rescued dog from an animal shelter in Texas, dedicates her life to serving the Overland Park community as a Critical Incident Response Team K-9.
OPCAT officers are highly trained to respond to a wide range of crises, from mental health emergencies to situations involving the elderly, youth and other vulnerable populations.
Haven provides a unique type of support. Her calming presence helps officers form connections with people in distress, often breaking through barriers that might otherwise exist. Whether it’s offering comfort during a tough moment or simply being there as a source of calm in high-stress situations, Haven plays a critical role in making crisis calls more manageable for both officers and residents.
At events throughout Overland Park, Haven bridges the gap between the public and the Police Department, providing a friendly and approachable presence for adults and children alike. Haven reminds us of the quiet yet profound impact service animals can have.
To learn more about Haven and the OPCAT team, visit opkansas.org/OPCAT.