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St. Paul's newest police officer lives a pretty ruff life. 


A few times a week he roams the halls of department headquarters, looking for someone to shower with love and affection, and maybe — just maybe — get someone to scratch behind his ears. Meeting new people and getting them to smile is his thing.  


In fact, he's so good at cheering people up that he's already been promoted — just a month into the job. 


Well, he's not potty trained — yet. But cut him some slack. He 


A few weeks ago, the German shepherd mix joined the Police Department as its first ever comfort dog. That's much different than being a K-9, which are dogs specifically trained to assist officers on the the job.


Instead, Sgt. Fuzz's role is to provide a calming presence and be a welcome distraction for officers and Police Department employees. Eventually, the plan is to train and certify the former rescue dog as a therapy dog.  


"We believe that in any professional, high-stress environment, you gotta take a few minutes to step away from that computer, step away from that report and pet something," said senior Cmdr. John Lozoya. 


Research supports the idea that dogs are 


Sgt. Fuzz will also act as an ambassador of sorts for the police department, doing community outreach during events like Safe Summer Nights, and meeting with various youth groups from the neighborhood. 


If Fuzz is a hit, more comfort dogs could join him on the police force. 

But first, he'll have to master potty training.

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Nancy Yang

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Go ahead, pet the 3-month-old German shepherd mix. That's part of his job, acting as a welcome distraction for officers, and as a community ice-breaker.

Sergeant Fuzz  is held by reserve officer Kathryn Smith

Evan Frost | MPR News

St. Paul Police Department employee Angela Anderson snuggles Sergeant Fuzz.

Sergeant Fuzz investigates a suspicious trash can.

Sergeant Fuzz chases Sergeant Mike Ernster.

Good boy! Sgt. Fuzz joins St. Paul police force as its first comfort dog

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