By Captain Jonathan Hankins
Some things are just meant to be. January 24, 2020, was a monumental day for the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center in West Virginia. This was the day that a little black lab puppy would forever impact the lives of dispatchers and deputies.
Rookie’s story starts with what was supposed to be an owner surrender of four black lab puppies because the owner could not care for them. These puppies were approximately six weeks old and could not receive the attention they needed. The owner called the 911 Center, informed them he needed to surrender the puppies, and requested that the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office Code Enforcement deputies pick them up and transport them to the animal shelter.
A puppy’s arrival at the 911 Center
After the deputy picked up the puppies, he radioed dispatch to let them know he had the puppies. In the background, the puppies could be heard whimpering and barking. The dispatchers’ hearts melted instantly, and they asked if the deputy would bring the puppies to the 911 Center before taking them to the animal shelter.
When the deputy arrived, the dispatchers held and loved the tiny puppies. As they played with the puppies, the Chief Deputy suggested, “Maybe we should get a puppy for dispatch.” The dispatchers were shocked, their mouths dropping open. Once the Sheriff approved the agreement that the dispatchers would be responsible for any expenses, the dispatchers were overwhelmed with joy.
Choosing Rookie: The community votes
All four puppies were brought into dispatch, and the dispatchers unanimously chose one special puppy. Immediately, food, toys, leashes and kennels were purchased, but one thing was missing: a name. The Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, known for its community orientation, let each dispatch shift select a name. Then, a public vote was held, and “Rookie” was chosen by the citizens.
A calming presence in a stressful environment
Dispatchers work in a high-stress environment day in and day out. The stress level is unimaginable unless you’ve been there. Rookie has his own chair and blanket. He likes to sit in his chair with a blanket over him — yes, he even covers himself up. Rookie instantly became a calming factor for the dispatchers. When chaos erupts in Dispatch, Rookie gets in “his chair” and sits next to a dispatcher. Once the stressful call is over, Rookie is there to offer comfort, helping dispatchers and deputies alike unwind. Everyone loves Rookie; he is part of the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office family.
Rookie: From TV star to trading card hero
Rookie goes for rides, has appeared on TV and even has his own trading card. Visitors, especially children, come to visit Rookie and bring him gifts. He is spoiled and pouts if he doesn’t receive something from new visitors. Rookie even has a custom doggie-sized couch. When he needs a break, you’ll find him in the Training Room, which connects to Dispatch, resting on his couch with his blanket. Rookie cannot relax unless he is covered up with his blanket.
Rookie’s impact on mental wellness
Rookie has been a tremendous asset to the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, living in dispatch 24/7. He offers affection, support, comfort and entertainment, ensuring there is never a dull moment in dispatch. Rookie has been a crucial part of improving dispatchers’ mental health. The stress of the job is one of the main reasons dispatchers often leave the profession, but Rookie brings joy and comfort to help alleviate this pressure. All the dispatchers look forward to working with Rookie. He even knows when shifts are about to change and waits at the entrance for the new shift.
Rookie enjoys food, treats, toys, baths, walks, road trips, playtime, vet visits, love and hugs. He is well-behaved and exceptionally trained. When it’s time to go outside, Rookie knows who typically takes him and will stand beside them, give them a look and then walk to the door. He has been a blessing to the entire agency, and the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office would not be the same without its official Dispatch K-9 — Rookie. Some things are just meant to be.
About the author
Jonathan Hankins is the Captain of Operations/Accreditation Manager for the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office.
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