Rafferty is a two-year-old Labrador that will serve the agency as a comfort dog
The Battle Ground Police Department recently introduced its newest member, Rafferty. Rafferty is a two-year-old Labrador that will serve the agency as a comfort dog.
Comfort dogs are different from police K9 units, which are deployed alongside officers to help apprehend suspects and assist in missing persons and narcotic investigations. Comfort dogs, on the other hand, are trained specifically to stay calm and help others be calm as well. A comfort dog program provides police officers with another option to increase positive interactions during investigations involving children or adults to reduce anxiety, break down emotional barriers and increase communication, when providing aid to people who have been impacted by violence, tragedy or traumatic events.
Rafferty will initially serve as a member of the department’s Peer Support Team which promotes the overall wellness and resilience of our first responders. In addition to assisting agency staff, Rafferty will help with the care of crime victims and witnesses during times of crisis.
The Battle Ground Police Department is extremely excited and thankful to launch the comfort dog program which was made possible through a generous donation from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Originally trained as a guide dog, Rafferty’s new role with the police department will be somewhat of a career change for him. Nancy Denier, the Master Trainer and Dog Placement Coordinator, helped transition Rafferty to his new handler, Lt. Jason Perdue, on Aug. 27.
“We know Rafferty will provide a great deal of support, both inside the police department and to the public we serve,” said Chief Dennis Flynn. “We are incredibly grateful to Guide Dogs for the Blind and to Nancy for their support, helping us bring this valuable resource to Battle Ground.”
In addition to improving mental health resources for community members and officers, Rafferty is sure to be a big part of the police department’s community engagement program, fostering positive relationships and building trust with those we serve.
Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.
Also read:
- Inslee activates some National Guard members to support public safety activities related to the electionGov. Inslee activates National Guard to support election safety in Washington amid DHS warnings.
- High school football: Camas, Seton Catholic, and Woodland conquer Championship FridayCamas, Seton Catholic, and Woodland claim league championships, advancing to playoffs in Southwest Washington high school football.
- Letter: ‘The current bridge plan hurts economic development on BOTH sides of the river’Sam Churchill from Hayden Island shares his concerns over the economic impact of the current I-5 Bridge replacement proposal on both sides of the river.
- Board of Health extends application deadline for education position on Public Health Advisory CouncilClark County Board of Health extends application deadline for education position on Public Health Advisory Council, with a term ending Sept. 30, 2027.
- Letter: ‘We students are counting on voters to show up to the polls again’Vancouver’s Tammy Pham urges voters to reject I-2109, safeguarding essential education funding and youth opportunities.
- Shooting at Vancouver Mall leaves one dead, two injuredOne dead, two injured after a targeted shooting during a trick-or-treat event at Vancouver Mall, investigated by Vancouver Police Department.
- High school football: This is one of the greatest Week 9 schedules in Clark County historyHigh school football fans in Clark County Washington are in for a thrilling Friday night with three unbeaten teams competing for league championships.