AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – The Airway Heights Police Department and the West Crisis Response Team have welcomed a new member to their ranks, K9 Tonks.
Airway Heights police has trained Tonks to collaborate with their Crisis Response Team, providing assistance to individuals across the West Plains who may be facing emotional or behavioral health crises. K9 Tonks will play a vital role in victim advocacy and support the Airway Heights Police Department Peer Support Team.
Tonks, a two-year-old Golden Retriever, resides with her handler, Officer Franck. Over the past few months, Officer Franck and K9 Tonks have diligently worked to learn how best to serve the community. They have received three AKC (American Kennel Club) Canine Good Citizen certifications and the Canine Public Service certification through the American Society of Canine Trainers International.
The Crisis K9 program is an integral part of the West Plains Crisis Response Team, which is funded through the Mental Health Field Response grant awarded by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
“Tonks has already shown her ability to de-escalate and calm individuals during her training sessions,” says Officer Franck, “and I’m so excited to see the impact she will have on the community.”
