A dog who survived a near-fatal stabbing in the line of duty is now helping shine a light on first responder’s mental health. He is raising money to give other heroes a chance to rest, recharge and heal.

B.J. Comstock’s partner, Roam, recently helped draw the winning card at a charity event benefiting Code 3 Retreat, a nonprofit that sends first responders to an all-expenses-paid wellness retreat in Texas. Organizer Jennifer Browne said 750 raffle tickets were sold, raising nearly $15,000 to help fund the next retreat.

Roam, a Belgian Malinois, lost his leg and suffered cuts to his face and neck when he was stabbed during an arrest in October 2025. He required emergency surgery, including a leg amputation and blood transfusion. Roam received several litres from donors across the state.

“He might be half Chihuahua now!” Comstock said.

Despite the injuries, Roam is now medically retired and will serve as a department ambassador. Comstock said Roam has no lasting injuries beyond the missing leg, and that his face and eyes have healed.

In his retirement, Roam is a very good boy. He is a high-energy puppy who turns 2 years old in April. He is enjoying pets, snuggles and playing with his balls. He quickly made friends with everyone in the room.

At home, Roam has settled into what Comstock described as a playful retirement, he is chasing toys and acting like the same pup he has always been. Comstock has four dogs in total, three of them police dogs: Roam, Trey (in training) and Milo (retired).

Organizer Jennifer Browne, a retired deputy who now helps lead the nonprofit, said the goal is to host one retreat each year and expand to two annually. One in Texas and one in Colorado.

The fundraiser also aimed to broaden support beyond one dog’s story to a wider need among first responders: mental health resources that are accessible, private and practical.

Code 3 Retreat covers travel, lodging and activities for attendees at a private ranch outside of Meridian, Texas. Browne said the retreat includes private rooms, group activities, therapy and other experiences designed to create breathing room for people who spend their careers running toward emergencies.

Eleven people and one dog are expected to attend the March retreat.

Supporters can donate to the Police Foundation of Colorado Springs, which raises money to support the department’s K-9 unit. They also sell Roam stuffed animals and K-9 calendars as part of their fundraising at policefoundationofcoloradosprings.org

More information about Code 3 Retreat is available at code3retreat.org