Bassett Healthcare Network Adds New K-9 Unit to Security Program

Meet K-9 Kratos and his partner, Officer Tyler Christman

Bassett Healthcare Network is welcoming a new K-9 to its security team. K-9 Kratos, a 14-month-old German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix, began training with his handler, Officer Tyler Christman in July. Once their training is complete this fall, they will be on patrol at hospitals across the network, including Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and A.O. Fox Hospital in Oneonta.

The name Kratos comes from Greek mythology. In those myths, Kratos was known for his strength, power, and loyalty. Christman has worked for Bassett Healthcare Network as a security officer for several years prior to taking on this new role as a security K-9 handler.

"Working with Kratos has been extremely rewarding and, so far, he's doing great with his training. He's a very social dog, so he puts smiles on a lot of people's faces, whether they are Bassett employees or patients," said Christman.

Bassett Healthcare Network's K-9 Security Program is currently made up of four pairs of officer and K-9 partners. Bassett Healthcare Network, like many other health systems and hospitals across the country, has seen an increase in violence against healthcare workers in recent years. K-9 units can quickly defuse tense situations before they escalate simply by entering a room. They are also trained in tracking, detection, and other important protection techniques. When Bassett's K-9s are working, they wear vests that advise those around them that they are on the job. K-9s are approachable by simply asking their handler if it's a good time to interact with them and waiting for an affirmative response.

"Bassett first launched its K-9 Security Program in 2019, when our first K-9, Hudson, began working at the hospital. It's been great to see how much this program has grown since then, expanding to other hospitals across the network, and becoming a positive example to other healthcare networks across the state for how K-9s can be integrated into a hospital security force," said Jeff Bever, K-9 Security Supervisor at Bassett Healthcare Network

"We are proud of how effective our K-9s and security officers are at interacting with caregivers, staff, patients and visitors to promote safety and security for everyone at our network's hospitals. Each of Bassett's K-9s is highly intelligent and expertly trained. We are pleased to welcome K-9 Kratos as the newest member of our ranks," said AJ Zuk, Director of Security and Transportation at Bassett Healthcare Network.

The K-9 Security Program is made possible by philanthropic support through Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network. Gifts to the K-9 program support the annual costs of caring for and training each dog.

In addition to its K-9 team, Bassett's Security Department consists of more than 50 security officers who staff five hospitals and over two dozen regional health centers, acting as a safety resource for staff, patients, and visitors. They respond to emergencies and are the organization's liaisons with area law enforcement.