CIT Illinois - Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board

09/01/2026

Happy National Police K-9 Day.

Today, we honor the police dogs serving law enforcement agencies across Illinois, including our certified CIT Crisis Response Therapy Canines.

From critical incident response and community outreach to peer support and memorial details, these working dogs bring stability and comfort when our profession needs it most.

Thank you to every handler, agency, and four-legged partner supporting our officers and communities statewide.

09/01/2026

Every day, law enforcement professionals respond to others in moments of crisis, trauma, and loss. During National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and our Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training Program recognize the vital importance of supporting the mental health and well-being of those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

We encourage agencies across Illinois to foster open conversations about mental health, reduce the stigma around help-seeking, and remind personnel that seeking support is a sign of strength.

On September 8 for 988 Day, our focus centers on a simple truth: Your reason is reason enough. You do not have to be in crisis to reach out.

If you or someone you know is struggling, immediate, confidential support is available 24/7. Call or text 988.

09/01/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

From community outreach events to scenario-based CIT training and critical incident response, our CIT Crisis Response Therapy Canines work across Illinois.

We're giving a shoutout to our resident rescue dog, certified therapy K9, and very good boy Trooper (a graduate of the CCSO Tails of Redemption program), as well as all the certified therapy K9 teams across the state.

Thank you to our handler teams for bringing comfort, de-escalation, and peer support to our communities every day!

08/20/2026

08/14/2026

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, in partnership with the Cook County Sheriff's Office (Official), has officially launched a 24/7 statewide call-out line for our CIT Crisis Response Therapy Canine program.

Whether agencies are responding to a critical incident or planning a community event, Illinois now have a dedicated, single point of contact to request deployment.

Read the full news release and find contact details by heading to: https://www.ptb.illinois.gov/training/crisis-intervention-team-cit/crisis-response-therapy-canine-certification-program/

08/14/2026

2 teams 1 shared mission.

CIT Illinois - Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board ILETSB Executive Institute

07/22/2026

Our Therapy K9, Trooper, will be there! Swing by to say hi!

07/17/2026

07/14/2026

We are incredibly proud to announce the graduation of the newest cohort of the CIT Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program.

In partnership with the Cook County Sheriff's Office, eight certified therapy canine teams from seven different agencies across Illinois have completed rigorous training to support de-escalation, mental health response, and trauma-informed policing.

Join us in congratulating the newest class of certified teams:

Lake Villa Police - John Baghdasarian –– K9 Charli
Cook County Sheriff's Office (Official) - Kenneth Canada –– K9 Winter
Cook County Sheriff's Office (Official) - Megan Kinsella –– K9 Joey
Orland Park Police Department - Daniel Minx – K9 Petals
O'Fallon Police Department - Michael Mojzis – K9 Jujube
Village of Merrionette Park Police - Anthony Velarde –– K9 Toby
Village of Buffalo Grove Police Department - Brian Spolar – K9 Grady
Maroa Police Department - Christopher Ware – K9 Sandy

Learn more about our crisis response therapy canine program at: https://www.ptb.illinois.gov/training/crisis-intervention-team-cit/crisis-response-therapy-canine-certification-program/

07/13/2026

At our recent "Together We Rise" CIT Resilience Summit in Schaumburg, we saw firsthand how Crisis Response Therapy Canine teams are helping to break down barriers and provide essential support to our officers and community members.

We aren't just training dogs; we are building a statewide support network. From our innovative partnership with the Cook County Sheriff's Office’s "Tails of Redemption" program to the new teams being certified across Illinois, our program is growing to ensure that those who protect our communities have the support they deserve.

We are proud to see these teams out in the field, building trust and providing comfort when it matters most.

Want to learn more about the program or how your agency can get involved? Visit our official webpage at:
https://www.ptb.illinois.gov/training/crisis-intervention-team-cit/crisis-response-therapy-canine-certification-program/