Operation TT

Non-Profit Program

IN MEMORY OF

TERESA LYNN "TT" SMOOT

OPERATION TT was established in memory of Teresa Lynn Smoot, affectionately known as "TT" by her stepdaughter, siblings, and extended family. Teresa passed away in February 2024.

OPERATION TT is a nonprofit program administered by the Police Benevolent & Protective Association (PB&PA) of Illinois. All donations and proceeds directly support the acquisition, veterinary care, training, and ongoing maintenance of therapy dogs for police departments, officers and other first responders.

Trooper

Trooper, the first OPERATION TT therapy dog, is handled by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) in Springfield.

Trooper is deployed by ILETSB's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Mental Health Unit to law enforcement agencies throughout central Illinois. As additional funds are raised through OPERATION TT, ILETSB will acquire more "TT Dogs" for strategic placement in communities across Illinois, expanding access to therapy dogs for first responders statewide.

Fund the Expansion

Challenge Coins

Challenge Coins are available to help fund the expansion of the OPERATION TT program.

Each coin features Teresa alongside her beloved Goldendoodle, Ramsey.

Pricing

1 Coin: $15

2 Coins: $25

100% of the proceeds from Challenge Coin sales directly support the procurement and care of additional therapy dogs for Illinois first responders.

Donate or Purchase Coins

By Mail

Make checks payable to PB&PA of Illinois.

Please write "OPERATION TT" in the memo line and mail to:

OPERATION TT
c/o PB&PA of Illinois
840 S. Spring St., Suite A
Springfield, IL 62704

For Challenge Coin purchases, please include:

Name

Mailing Address

Phone Number

Zelle payments are also accepted. For payment instructions, call: (217) 523-5141

About

TERESA LYNN SMOOT

Teresa L. Smoot earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois Springfield.

An accomplished labor relations professional, Teresa devoted her career to serving Illinois law enforcement. She began as a 911 Dispatcher before becoming a Labor Representative for the PB&PA and the Police Benevolent Labor Committee. Representing and advocating for law enforcement officers across Illinois was more than a career—it was her passion.

Teresa remained a steadfast supporter of first responders throughout her life.

She also understood firsthand the lasting effects of trauma. Having experienced the challenges of PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and other mental health struggles, she deeply empathized with the burdens carried by the officers she represented every day.

For many years, Teresa's constant companion was her beloved Goldendoodle, Ramsey, a trained mental health therapy dog whose comfort and support inspired the creation of OPERATION TT.

Exclusive Savings

Member-exclusive partner discounts

Discover exclusive offers available through your PBPA membership.

Member Discounts