DOWNEY – The Downey Police Department has added a yellow Labrador retriever to its canine lineup.

Howdy will assist his handler, Sgt. Ruth Valenzuela, during her work with victims, witnesses and residents exposed to traumatic events.

Howdy will also be available to department employees on a day-to-day basis, notably during critical incident debriefings.

Howdy was chosen for his unobtrusive and calm demeanor, officials with Canine Companions for Independence said, which provided the dog.

“As a department, we are excited to welcome Howdy to the DPD family and we want to thank Canine Companions for Independence for their generous donation,” said Police Chief Leslie Murray. “We look forward to the positive impact this program will have on our community and Department employees.”

Murray said Howdy will be used to:

• Provide comfort to crime victims and witnesses during interviews and court proceedings

• Help victims process grief and loss

• Lower tension and stresses of residents and staff after traumatic events

• Work with children to build relationships

• Conduct senior citizen visits and welfare checks

“The city of Downey is committed to the health and wellbeing of our community, and now thanks to the wonderful partnership with Canine Companions, we have a trained police support dog who can provide needed comfort and care to individuals during difficult events,” said Mayor Claudia Frometa. “I’m proud of the work of the Downey Police Department in implementing impactful programs such as this.”