The Watertown Police Department in Massachusetts has welcomed a new facility dog named Wyatt, trained by Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA | TLC). Unlike traditional police dogs, Wyatt’s role is to provide emotional support and comfort to officers, city employees, and community members.
Wyatt was raised as a puppy by Tony Wickersham, an IAM Aerospace Coordinator, and his wife Melanie. Both have been long-time supporters of GDA | TLC. During his upbringing, Wyatt attended various events held by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), becoming well-known among union members. “It was great raising Wyatt,” said Tony Wickersham. “He has become a great facility dog that will help many people in the Watertown Community. Melanie and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Officer Kyle Rooney, who has served with the department for eight years, is now partnered with Wyatt as his handler. The pair can often be seen at community events across Watertown.
Wyatt’s training began with puppy raisers in Indiana before he moved to Sacramento, California for specialized instruction at Mule Creek State Prison. There, incarcerated trainers taught him over 50 cues and skills focused on discipline and support techniques such as deep pressure compression therapy.
Wyatt joins Raider, another therapy dog who started working with students and residents last summer. While Raider works mainly during the day, Wyatt covers afternoon and evening hours to ensure support is available from morning through midnight.
Both dogs have participated together at local events like the Polar Plunge. When not on duty, Wyatt spends time playing with Officer Rooney. The department notes that while residents are welcome to greet Wyatt at public events, they should ask Officer Rooney before petting him since he is a working dog.
To mark his service, Wyatt wears a custom patch on his uniform featuring his image—a symbol of his positive impact within the community.
According to IAM representatives involved in Wyatt’s early life and training through GDA | TLC programs, this initiative demonstrates how service animals raised within supportive communities can continue to serve others in meaningful ways.
