Illinois State University Police Department announces retirement of therapy K9 Pawfficer Sage

  • Author By Becca Stambaugh
  • October 18, 2024
Pawfficer Sage, a black lab, sits inside an ISUPD squad car, looking out the window.
After five years of service at ISUPD, therapy K9 Pawfficer Sage is hanging up her vest.

After more than five years of dedicated service, the Illinois State University Police Department (ISUPD) is announcing the retirement of its therapy K9, Pawfficer Sage.

Since joining ISUPD in July 2019, Sage has impacted the Illinois State University and Bloomington-Normal communities, creating a bridge to conversation and community engagement.

Through her career, Pawfficer Sage attended over 1,000 events, positively influencing the lives of more than 71,000 students, faculty, and community members. Her presence helped students transition to campus life, assisted officers in educational programs, and offered solace to victims of crime. Her influence encouraged many other police departments across Illinois to begin their own therapy K9 programs.

Pawfficer Sage, part of the Community Engagement Unit, consists of a sergeant and two officers.
Pawfficer Sage appears with the Community Engagement Unit, consisting of (from left) Office Jessika Jones, Sergeant Michael Gardner, and Officer Kimberly Ridlen.

Sage was brought to Illinois State through a successful Hatch fundraising campaign and initially spent the first two years of her life with SIT Service Dogs in Ava. There, she dedicated approximately 1,200 hours to training as a therapy dog, ensuring she was well-equipped to provide emotional support to those in need.

“It is hard to imagine an ISUPD without Pawfficer Sage,” said Chief of Police Aaron Woodruff. “Rest assured we will honor her by continuing the therapy dog program and keeping in touch with her through our social media in her retirement.”

Pawfficer Sage, a black lab, greets three students at an ISU Picnic during Welcome Week.
Pawfficer Sage greets students at ISU Picnic during Welcome Week.

Although Sage’s recent medical developments are encouraging her to hang up her vest, Sage will continue to receive excellent care in retirement living with Deputy Chief Nichol Bleichner. ISUPD is grateful for Sage’s service and the many lives she has touched during her time at Illinois State University. Sage will join ISUPD at a ceremony welcoming the next therapy pawfficer this spring.

Individuals wanting to celebrate and honor Sage’s retirement may make a $30 donation to the Police Enhancement Fund and receive a Sage stuffie while supplies last. All funds raised will be used towards the continuation of the Pawfficer therapy dog program at Illinois State University Police.

For more information, please contact Chris Coplan, director of Media Relations, at (309) 438-5091 or jccopla@IllinoisState.edu.

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Police Department, Student Affairs