Program made possible through a generous donation from SCHEELS

By City of West Fargo

The West Fargo Police Department is launching a School Resource Officer (SRO) and comfort dog team with the addition of new K-9 Bella. This program is possible through a donation from SCHEELS and partnership with West Fargo Public Schools.

K-9 Bella is a 14-month old Labrador mix from the United States. K-9 Bella and her handler, SRO Todd

Pearson, are the first comfort dog SRO team in the state of North Dakota. K-9 Bella is a trained comfort dog and will achieve certification in the coming months.

K-9 Bella will assist SRO Pearson in his role fostering positive relationships with students, parents, faculty and staff. With the addition of K-9 Bella, SRO Pearson will help students struggling with anxiety and depression, improve student morale and increase overall positive interactions.

As part of the larger Community Outreach Programs and Services Unit the two will also assist with public events and community outreach, as well as respond to traumatic and crisis response incidents. K-9 Bella will also assist in the department’s officer wellness programs, including the Peer Support Team.

BELLA

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The West Fargo Police Department will work with West Fargo Public Schools to proactively address issues related to students’ allergies or fears. The West Fargo Police Department would like to thank SCHEELS for their generous donation and continued support of the department’s community engagement efforts.

West Fargo Fire Department graduates new recruit from joint recruit firefighter academy

On Friday, July 22, 2022, Arika Morgan graduated from the 10-week West Fargo Fire Department and Fargo Fire Department training academy for both departments’ recently recruited firefighters. The training consisted of classroom work, drills, ride-alongs and live burn scenarios.

“We are excited to see Arika graduate from the academy and join our team with the training she received at the academy,” said West Fargo Fire Chief Dan Fuller. “Holding a joint academy helps both departments continue to collaborate together to serve both the West Fargo and Fargo communities.”

This is the fourth time the West Fargo Fire Department has collaborated with the Fargo Fire Department to hold a recruit firefighter academy. Three recently recruited firefighters from the Fargo Fire Department also graduated. Trainers from both departments provide instruction to recruits.

If you are interested in joining the West Fargo Fire Department, go to www.westfargofire.com and click the ‘About Us’ tab to find the ‘New Recruits’ webpage.