Protecting Those Who Protect Us

Supporting First Responders and the K9s Who Serve Beside Them

At Bishop’s Mission, we are more than a nonprofit. We are a community of former first responders who have walked in the boots, carried the weight of the call, and know the lasting toll service can take.

We founded Bishop’s Mission to make sure no responder and no responder’s K9 ever faces that burden alone.

The Gap No One Talks About

Departments spend thousands to bring therapy and service dogs onto their teams. Too often, once the dogs are placed, the ongoing care they need is overlooked.

These dogs require specialized support to stay healthy and mission-ready:

  • PEMF therapy for recovery and stress relief

  • Behavioral health and resilience training

  • Specialized veterinary care

  • Nutrition, grooming, and long-term wellness support

Without this care, dogs burn out early, develop preventable issues, or retire before their time. That hurts the dog, the handler, and the department’s investment.

Our Mission:

Bridging the Gap

Bishop’s Mission connects donors, departments, and handlers to ensure every working dog receives the care they deserve and the support their teams need.

  • Critical Incident Support: Peer-led debriefings, wellness education, and CISM-certified support for responders in crisis

  • K9 Wellness Program: Trainers, nutritionists, groomers, and behaviorists working together to keep dogs healthy for the long haul

  • Emergency Veterinary Fund: Donor-backed funding that ensures no service dog’s life is cut short by financial barriers

  • Animal-Assisted Peer Support: Certified K9s, including our namesake Bishop, helping responders regulate stress, heal, and connect after difficult calls

This holistic approach keeps both humans and their K9 partners resilient, mission-ready, and supported for the long term.

Why It Matters

Partner With Us

When you work with Bishop’s Mission, you give your K9s every advantage to serve well and serve longer. We bring the resources, donor funding, and peer expertise.

Protect Your K9's

Because when your dogs thrive, your whole team thrives.

The Hearts Behind the Mission

A person wearing a black polo shirt kneeling next to a Dalmatian dog with an orange harness labeled 'Bishop's Mission' in a park. A large fountain and lake are visible in the background.


  • Founder

    Kate Klasen is a distinguished veteran of law enforcement, having served in various capacities within the Chicagoland area.

    Kate's dedication to serving her community shines through her founding of H.E.L.P. (Human & Animal Emergency Lifeline Preparedness). Drawing from her extensive background as a first responder, Kate imparts crucial emergency preparedness skills for both people and pets. Her offerings include Animal CPR/First Aid training, and emergency preparedness courses aligning with her mission to ensure the safety and welfare of all beings.

    During her tenure with the Police Department, Kate's versatility was evident as she held roles ranging from certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to 9-1-1 dispatcher and police officer. She served as a field training officer for dispatchers and contributed her expertise to the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA), where she instructed first responders in CPR/First Aid and defensive tactics.

    Kate developed her own veterinary-approved program focused on teaching animal CPR, first aid, and emergency preparedness. As a former certified instructor with prestigious organizations such as the Health Safety Institute, AHA, AVERT, and Pet Tech, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching. Kate continually sharpens her skills through advanced training with leading entities like K9 Medic, the Red Cross, RECOVER, the Veterinary Tactical Group, USCCA Practical Tactical Medicine Courses, and Stop the Bleed, ensuring she remains at the forefront of animal and responder care.

    Since transitioning from law enforcement, Kate remains steadfast in her commitment to education and service.

    Kate Klasen is a seasoned advocate for resilience within the first responder community, equipped with a diverse array of certifications and training in trauma peer support counseling and crisis intervention. With a rich background in law enforcement and emergency response, Kate's journey is defined by a steadfast commitment to supporting and uplifting her fellow first responders in times of need.

    Certified with First Responder Trauma Peer Support Counselors, and CISM. Kate possesses specialized expertise in providing compassionate and empathetic assistance to individuals navigating the aftermath of traumatic incidents. Her training encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and stressors faced by first responders in the line of duty.

    Drawing on her extensive knowledge and experience, Kate holds certifications in FEMA IS-100, NCTSN Psychological First Aid, and ICISF Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention. These certifications reflect her dedication to honing her skills in crisis response and psychological support, ensuring that she remains well-equipped to offer effective assistance in a variety of emergency situations.

    Kate's unwavering dedication to the well-being of first responders and her tireless efforts to provide compassionate support in times of crisis embody the true spirit of peer support and solidarity. Through her ongoing commitment to professional development and advocacy, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

Cover of 'The Wag' magazine Winter 2024 issue featuring a Dalmatian dog with blue eyes wearing a red bow tie on a wooden surface. Articles highlighted include 'Dogs with a purpose,' 'Couple enjoys pet sitting around the world,' 'Piglet Deaf, blind, & making a difference,' and 'Celebrating Valentine's Day.'

  • K9 Bishop is trained to recognize and respond to symptoms of PTSD. Bishop thrives during station visits, offering comfort and support as part of the peer support team. When he’s not on duty, Bishop assists his handler in teaching Animal CPR and First Aid classes, helping to expand the animal emergency support network through H.E.L.P. During his downtime, Bishop is a playful and happy dog who loves performing tricks and tasks.

Dalmatian dog looking up with a red collar.

  • K9 Skye is our newest addition! K9 Skye is AKC CGC certified and we are working on her more advanced training. Skye will be out soon and is looking forward to working!

  • Anjie Coates brings a unique blend of experience in public service, education, and animal care to the Bishop’s Mission board. A former law enforcement officer and current Chief Master Instructor with H.E.L.P., Anjie specializes in Pet First Aid & CPR—skills she has used firsthand to save lives. Her passion for preparedness and prevention has made her a trusted voice in emergency training for pet professionals and owners alike.

    With over 36 years in the grooming industry, Anjie has built a career centered around excellence, mentorship, and ongoing education. She holds multiple advanced certifications, including CMRG, ICMCG, CCE, PGC, and PGCE, and is known for her deep expertise in grooming, business development, and pet safety.

    Anjie is also the owner of PawsitiveEd.com, an educational platform offering courses and resources for grooming professionals, pet parents, and industry leaders. In 2023, her book The Quintessential Rabbit Book earned the prestigious Barkleigh Honors Award for Book of the Year.

    Her lifelong dedication to animals, public service, and professional development makes her a powerful advocate for Bishop’s Mission’s work supporting first responders and their K9 partners. Anjie’s leadership and expertise help further our mission of providing connection, care, and community to those who serve.

  • Lynn Heitz
    Records Supervisor | Peer Support Advocate

    Lynn Heitz began her unexpected but rewarding career in law enforcement in 1989 at a department in the western suburbs of Chicago. What was supposed to be a one-year position as a Records Clerk turned into a dedicated 35+ year journey. Today, she serves as the department’s Records Supervisor, bringing decades of experience and institutional knowledge to her team.

    Over the years, Lynn has worn many hats—handling everything from payroll and statistical reporting to FOIA requests, accident reporting, and the implementation of new report writing systems. She has served as a trainer, answered non-emergency calls, and contributed to both IUCR and NIBRS reporting.

    As the longest-serving member of her department, Lynn has witnessed firsthand the lasting impact of traumatic incidents—not only on sworn officers but on civilian staff as well. She understands how deeply these events can affect those behind the scenes, often overlooked in the broader scope of public safety.

    Lynn is passionate about the mission of Bishop’s Mission and the essential support it provides. She strongly believes that peer support and critical incident debriefings should be available to everyone involved in emergency services, including the civilian professionals who serve on the front lines in a different, but equally vital, way.

  • Anthony A. Polse is a distinguished attorney and former police officer. Mr. Polse provides expert instruction to law enforcement professionals on constitutional matters, particularly those related to search and seizure. He previously served as a prosecutor with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office in Illinois, gaining extensive trial experience across multiple divisions. Mr. Polse is licensed to practice law in federal courts in both Illinois and Arizona. His prior legal practice specialized in labor and employment matters for law enforcement agencies, as well as Fourth Amendment training and compliance reviews tailored to the needs of law enforcement personnel. Mr. Polse possesses in-depth expertise in Arizona and Illinois legal frameworks, with a focus on CourtSmart publications with Mr. Dale Anderson and editing the Illinois and Arizona Legal Source books. He has also served as the police legal advisor for the Mesa Police Department in Arizona, a Deputy County Attorney, where he served as a law enforcement liaison for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and currently, is the public safety legal advisor for the City of Goodyear, Arizona.

  • Aaron Davis brings nearly two decades of law enforcement experience to Bishop’s Mission. He began his career as a Corrections Officer with the DuPage County Jail, where he developed a deep understanding of the correctional system and the mental toll the job can take on those who serve.

    In 2006, Aaron transitioned to patrol duty with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, where he has continued to serve with dedication and distinction. Today, Aaron is a valued member of the department’s K9 Unit, working alongside his canine partner on search and rescue missions, including cadaver recovery.

    His firsthand experience in the field, combined with his commitment to the wellness of both officers and working dogs, makes him a vital part of the Bishop’s Mission team. Aaron is passionate about supporting fellow responders and ensuring K9 handlers have access to the education, resources, and emotional support they need to thrive.