Illinois State University Police Dept. therapy K-9 to retire

Posted on October 18, 2024
Pawfficer Sage looks out of a police car. (Photo courtesy: Illinois State University)

By Blake Haas

NORMAL – Illinois State University Police plan to retire their therapy K-9 after more than five years of dedicated service.

Pawfficer Sage came to ISU as part of the community engagement unit.

Through her role, she’s attended more than one thousand events, impacting the lives of more than seven thousand students, faculty, and community members.

Although Sage’s recent medical developments encourage her to hang up her vest, she will stay in touch with the community through the department’s social media pages.

“It is hard to imagine an ISUPD without Pawfficer Sage,” said Chief of Police Aaron Woodruff in a news release. “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.”

In her retirement, Deputy Chief Nichol Bleichner plans to take care of her.

Pawfficer Sage will join ISU PD at a ceremony welcoming the next therapy Pawfficer this spring.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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