K9 Onyx

Background and Training

In April 2023, the Tualatin Police Department welcomed K9 Onyx, our first Therapy Dog. Onyx is a black Labrador Retriever who was donated to the Tualatin Police Department by a local nonprofit, Working Dogs Oregon. He is trained to assist with employee wellness, victim support, crisis response, and community outreach. Onyx’s primary role is to be present at the Department as a resource available to officers and employees.

Therapy animals have been used as a response to critical incidents in many facets of life. First responders see these kinds of critical incidents on a daily basis and often face their own personal crises as well. Onyx is available to give and receive some comfort, not just in response to these incidents but as reminder to check in on a daily basis. He is also available to play or go for a walk, both of which are valuable tools to help employees reduce stress. Onyx will remain at the Tualatin Police Department during his steward's scheduled shift.

In addition to supporting employee wellness, Onyx will be available to those who are in need of comfort and a sense of well-being, including victims and some witnesses of criminal incidents, and those who have endured emotional tragedies. Onyx is in a unique position to embody the kind of community policing that can improve trust and build connections between residents and law enforcement. Comfort dogs are specially trained to not only provide comfort, but also to be stable in unusual experiences such as riding in police cars, large yelling crowds, and tense situations. They play a therapeutic role and can de-escalate stressful situations while providing unconditional love and support to people on some of their hardest days.

Stewards

Sgt. French: April 2023 – June 2023

Athena Payne: June 2023 - August 2024

Joshua Kaplan: April 2023 - Present

Officer Scifres: August 2024 – Present