For Jim Corbett, it only takes one look into a dog’s eyes to understand the healing power of the K-9 bond.
The veteran law enforcement officer opened the 96th Security Forces Squadron’s Police Week 2025 ceremony by sharing personal and emotional connections between working dogs and their handlers, connections he’s witnessed over his career and research.
One of those was when Corbett met a handler and his dog. The handler explained during a motor vehicle operation; he was suddenly shot. That moment of survival left a lasting mark. Later, when he became a K-9 handler, he named his dog Chance, symbolizing more than luck, it was a renewed sense of protection and emotional strength found in the bond with his K9 partner.
Stories like that, Corbett explained, reflect the profound emotional and psychological role working dogs play in the lives of first responders, especially when coping with trauma and loss.
“A dog’s presence can be a turning point for someone struggling with grief or post-traumatic stress,” said Corbett who began his career as a U.S. Air Force security policeman before serving as an Army infantryman. “It’s not just about loyalty or service, it’s about healing.”
He emphasized that emotional strain is part of the job—often quietly endured over time.
It’s not just about loyalty or service, it’s about healing.
Corbett
“Ninety percent of us will experience what’s called career cumulative traumatic stress at some point in our careers,” said Corbett, who holds a doctorate from the University of Southern California, where he studied the effects of isolation and its implications for suicide among military and law enforcement professionals. “We’re highly conscientious people. We want to get things done, but we’re fighting against the symptoms of post-traumatic stress.”
In discussing ways to address those symptoms, Corbett noted the power of canine companionship.
“First responders after 9/11 who worked with handlers actually recovered faster from post-traumatic stress symptoms than those without dogs,” said Corbett. “People are also more likely to share personal thoughts in the presence of a dog.”
The learning objectives for the event focused on understanding how working dogs help first responders and their families cope with trauma, strengthen community ties, and foster resilience within law enforcement units. This opening ceremony set a reflective and inspiring tone for the week’s events, emphasizing remembrance, connection, and the enduring support K9s offer to those who serve.