LANE COUNTY – A four-legged furry friend was officially sworn in for duty to work with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office last Wednesday. Special Deputy Corporal Carlton, a 2-year-old goldendoodle, took an oath of office to serve as an LCSO wellness dog at the Lane County Courthouse.
“The whole goal is that when people come to work, they have something that has unconditional love,” Lane County Sergeant Daren Kendrick said.
Corporal joins the office as part of a staff health and wellness initiative. Kendrick was introduced to the concept of officer wellness about two years ago, when he attended a training at the Oregon State University Police Department and met a wellness dog named Cedar.
According to the LCSO, dispatchers, deputies, and corrections staff regularly encounter stressful and high-pressure situations. Corporal’s job is to comfort, calm, and provide unconditional love to staff as a way to de-stress.
“You just can’t not smile when you see Corporal,” said Creswell native and Lane County Sheriff Carl Wilkerson.
Named after fallen Deputy Carlton Smith, who died in the line of duty on his first night as a solo patrol deputy in 1965, “It’s an honor of ours to name him Carlton,” Wilkerson said.
The K9 was donated by Working Dogs Oregon. WDO is a nonprofit organization that trains comfort, therapy, service, and law-enforcement support dogs, and donates them at no cost to recipients. Sgt. Kendrick said the wellness program received support from other local donors as well, such as VCA McKenzie Animal Hospital, which provides wellness exams and veterinary care, and All American Pet in Springfield, which donates Corporal’s food and grooming.
Sgt. Kendrick clarified that Corporal is the Sheriff’s dog, although he will be staying at the office and rotating between deputies’ homes, with three or four days at the office and two days off.
The pup was officially sworn in by the sheriff around 9:30 a.m. Corporal sat and smiled with his best good-boy behavior, and tried to repeat an oath after Sheriff Wilkerson.
“I, Corporal Carleton, do solemnly swear to honorably serve Lane County Sheriff’s Office in my capacity as a special deputy. I promise to lift spirits, ease stress, and bring smiles to everyone I meet. I vow to offer my duties to those in need, and will always do my best to brighten someone’s day,” Wilkerson read. “With loyalty and courage, I accept this appointment and pledge to serve the Lane County Sheriff’s Office with heart and dedication.”
After a paw print stamp, Corporal was introduced as the newest special deputy.
