The Watertown Police Department in Massachusetts has welcomed a new facility dog, Wyatt, to its team. Wyatt, trained by Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC), is tasked with providing emotional support and comfort to officers, city employees, and local residents.
Wyatt was raised as a puppy by Tony Wickersham, IAM Aerospace Coordinator, and his wife Melanie. The couple are long-time supporters of GDA | TLC and involved Wyatt in many International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) events during his early development. “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, an eight-year veteran of the department, serves as Wyatt’s handler. The pair are often seen at community events throughout Watertown.
Wyatt’s training began with puppy raisers in Indiana before he moved to Sacramento, California for specialized instruction at Mule Creek State Prison. Incarcerated trainers there taught him discipline and more than 50 commands. His training includes deep pressure compression therapy and the ability to sense when someone may need comfort.
Wyatt works alongside Raider, the department’s first therapy dog who joined last summer. Raider primarily covers daytime hours while Wyatt is on duty during afternoons and evenings. This ensures that a comfort dog is available to the community from morning until midnight.
When off duty, Wyatt spends time bonding with Officer Rooney. The department asks residents to check with Officer Rooney before approaching or petting Wyatt since he is a working dog.
A custom patch featuring Wyatt’s image has been created for him to wear while on duty, symbolizing his role within the department.
According to those involved in his upbringing and training, Wyatt’s presence is viewed as an ongoing act of service benefiting both first responders and the wider community.
