MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Muscatine Police Department (MPD) would like to recognize a special new addition to the department as Officer Samantha Wheeler and her canine partner, Fergus, have recently returned from training in Concordia, Kan., and began their duties with the MPD.
Fergus is a 2-year-old Black Lab who will serve as a professional therapy dog for Muscatine first responders and people who have been victimized by serious crimes. Officer Wheeler serves on the department’s peer support team and has been committed to helping fellow first responders deal with the stressors of the job.
Canine Fergus will further help that cause by offering the unique support that only an animal can provide. Fergus will work side by side with Officer Wheeler on a daily basis and be available as needed outside of normal working hours. This is a unique and new program designed to help local first responders as well as the community as a whole.