The Watertown Police Department in Massachusetts has welcomed a new facility dog, Wyatt, trained by Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC). Wyatt’s role is to provide comfort and emotional support to officers, city employees, and members of the community.
Wyatt was raised as a puppy by Tony Wickersham, IAM Aerospace Coordinator, and his wife Melanie. Both have been long-time supporters of GDA | TLC. During his early training, Wyatt attended several events organized by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), becoming well known among union members.
“It was great raising Wyatt,” said Tony Wickersham. “He has become a great facility dog that will help many people in the Watertown Community. Melanie and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Officer Kyle Rooney, who has served with the department for eight years, is now partnered with Wyatt as his handler. The pair are regularly seen at city events providing support to those in need.
Wyatt’s training began with puppy raisers in Indiana before moving to Sacramento, California. There he participated in a program at Mule Creek State Prison where incarcerated trainers taught him discipline and over 50 different skills. His abilities include deep pressure compression therapy and recognizing when someone may require comfort.
Wyatt joins Raider, the department’s first therapy dog who started last summer working primarily with students and community members during daytime hours. Wyatt works afternoons and evenings so that a comfort dog is available most of the day.
Officer Rooney and Wyatt travel around town in their own cruiser to efficiently reach different locations. When off duty, they spend time playing together. Residents are encouraged to greet them at community events but are asked to check with Officer Rooney before petting Wyatt since he is a working dog.
To mark his role on the force, Wyatt wears a custom patch featuring his image similar to those worn by other officers.
Wyatt’s journey from being raised by an IAM member through specialized training programs highlights how service animals can have lasting positive effects on communities.
