Meet Lake Forest PD's Cutest New Officer: Winston

LAKE FOREST, IL — The Lake Forest Police Department recently inducted it's newest member, a St. Bernard puppy named Winston who will serve as a trained comfort dog.

After he finishes training, Winston will accompany Social Worker Lauren Perez on mental-health related calls, which make up a growing portion of the services the department provides. In 2024 alone, the department responded to 538 mental health-related calls for service.

With the introduction of a comfort dog, the department aims to help provide emotional support during these high-stress situations, benefit officer wellness and enhance community engagement efforts.

“There’s no question that police work takes a toll on emotional wellbeing,” said Chief of Police John Burke “This comfort dog program is an important step forward – not just in how we support our team, but in how we connect with and care for the Lake Forest community."

St. Bernards are known for their calm, affectionate nature and remarkable emotional intuition. Despite growing to be 100 to 200 lbs, the gentle giants are especially careful with children and excel in training environments.

These qualities make the breed well-suited for high-stress situations that require empathy, patience and calm.

“Having a comfort dog on the force will help build trust in difficult moments,” said Social Worker Perez. “Whether we’re responding to a mental health crisis or offering support after a traumatic event, this dog will be a steady, comforting presence for the people we serve – and for the officers who serve them."

At his new job, Winston will:

• Providing emotional support during and after critical incidents
• Reducing anxiety for residents and officers
• Enhancing communication during sensitive investigations
• Offering a positive presence during community engagement and outreach