Meet Fred Lexington County Sheriff Department’s Newest Certified Therapy K-9 Officer
By Mary Ann Hutcheson
K9 police dogs are specially trained to assist members of law enforcement. Therapy dogs work with a handler to provide affection and comfort to members of the public. Both jobs require dogs with energy, motivation, patience, and tolerance. They are usually eager to please and have the ability to remain calm, and focused while developing close and compliant relationships with their trainers. Enter Fred, a talented six-month-old tuxedo Goldendoodle pup who embodies all of those traits.
Inspired by Cayce Police Department’s K-9 program, and their dog Hudson, who joined Cayce’s department in August of 2022, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department decided to expand its department to include its own K9 officer. Lexington’s Sergeant Lee Barrett was delegated to be Fred’s handler who would begin their training through Brevard County, Florida’s program known for using canine therapy dogs in different agencies.
The tuxedo Goldendoodle usually sports a unique black and white coat pattern resembling a tuxedo, with white markings on his chest and paws. Fred comes from an excellent bloodline; one of his nine litter brothers is Cayce’s own K9 officer, Hudson. As a new hire, Fred needed a budget, a policy procedure manual, and a transportation policy. Barrett began working on all three. Already accredited under CALEA standards (“Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act”), the department’s policy needed to ensure that the therapy K-9 program would be CALEA compliant as well.
Fred began earning a host of honors and multiple certifications. Over the course of two years, the talented Goldendoodle completed and earned with honors: The Brevard County’s Sheriff’s Office Therapy Canine Certification, Forensic Investigative Canine Certification, The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizenship Certification, Good Citizenship “Urban,” and Good Citizenship Advanced, AKC Therapy Dog Certification, and the Multi-discipline Therapy Canine Team Certification. He received his certifications through Woof University and Dog Training Elite for basic obedience. “In terms of certifications, Fred’s a jack of all trades,” says Barrett. When the department was audited, so was Fred. He passed with flying colors and is officially listed in the Sheriff’s Department 2023 Annual Report.
A Typical Workday
Fred has his own office with his very own kennel and an elevated mattress bed. Therapy dogs can increase serotonin, which lowers stress levels in their human colleagues. Fred starts his working mornings as the department dog, visiting the jail with deputy correctional officers, warmly greeting everyone in the building. With his calm demeanor, the furry employee successfully brightens everyone’s day and of course, he knows where all the treats are! “The Chief is always supplied with treats for Fred,” laughs Barrett.
As a compassionate need dog, Fred visits all level schools in the area and provides a calming presence during sessions with students. He also visits daycare centers. Because Fred is a canine deputy within the agency, he is protected by the state’s laws as a canine dog much like patrol dog deputies. If he has a purpose for being in a public place, he’s going to stay there. Fred holds his own medical insurance, even after he retires.
Fred is a law enforcement dog and a volunteer therapy dog employed by Lexington Medical Center (LMC). He has to go through an employment background check, get medical clearance, and receive orientation, just like any hospital employee. He has to clock in and keep his certifications current. During his short career, Fred has responded to 56 hospital “community engagements” and three critical incidences in the county.
“Fred is a good, well-behaved dog,” says Barrett, “and I am grateful to the sheriff for adding the program to the agency.”
He adds with affection, “That’s my boy, Fred.”
