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:
- Former legislator and County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien announces candidacy for Clark County auditor
Former Clark County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien has announced her candidacy for county auditor following Greg Kimsey’s decision not to seek re-election. - Vancouver Police investigate traffic collision
Vancouver Police are investigating a motorcycle and vehicle collision that left the rider with life-threatening injuries. - WA Democrats push for mid-decade redraw of congressional maps
Washington Democrats have introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow congressional redistricting outside the normal post-census cycle, drawing sharp partisan debate. - Oregon Gov. Kotek calls for repeal of transportation funding package she championed
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is urging lawmakers to repeal a transportation funding package she previously supported after a referendum effort halted key tax increases. - Opinion: State CO2 report shows 86% of Washington’s claimed climate benefits are probably fake
Todd Myers argues a state climate report significantly overstates emissions reductions and raises concerns about data accuracy and accountability in Washington’s climate spending. - OnPoint Community Credit Union expands to Ridgefield
OnPoint Community Credit Union announced a new Ridgefield branch opening Jan. 12, expanding its Clark County presence and supporting local nonprofits. - County Council votes to increase sales tax for yet-to-be-finalized plan for affordable housing
Clark County Council approved a sales tax increase intended for housing-related uses despite concerns from one councilor that no final spending plan is in place.
