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 main role is to provide comfort and emotional support to officers, city employees, and community members.
Wyatt was raised as a puppy by Tony Wickersham, an Aerospace Coordinator for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and his wife Melanie. Both are longtime supporters of GDA | TLC. During his early months, Wyatt attended several IAM events. “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 often seen at community events across Watertown.
Wyatt’s training began with puppy raisers in Indiana before he moved to Sacramento, California. There, he took part in a program at Mule Creek State Prison where incarcerated trainers taught him over 50 cues and skills including focus and discipline. His training also included deep pressure compression therapy and learning to sense when someone needs comfort.
Wyatt joins Raider, another therapy dog working with the department since last summer. The two dogs work different shifts to ensure coverage throughout most of the day.
Wyatt and Officer Rooney have their own cruiser for travel around town. When off duty, Wyatt enjoys playtime with Officer Rooney.
Community members can expect to see Officer Rooney and Wyatt at local events but are asked to check with Officer Rooney before interacting with Wyatt while he is working.
Wyatt wears a custom patch on duty that features his image alongside those worn by other officers as a symbol of his role within the department.
The story highlights how service animals raised through partnerships between organizations like IAM and GDA | TLC can go on to support first responders and communities in meaningful ways.
