Celebrate ‘Work Like a Dog Day’ with LVHN’s Weapon Detecting K-9s

August 5 is “Work Like a Dog Day,” the perfect time to recognize the incredible work of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)’s two weapon detecting dogs. Since March, Dexter and Cisco have been patrolling our facilities, sniffing out firearms, keeping everyone safe – and spreading smiles and tail wags along the way.

Dexter, a male black Labrador retriever, and Cisco, a female springer spaniel, are both about 2 years old. Many colleagues and community members have already met these friendly pups at venues like Pocono Raceway and the recent community celebration at LVHN–Tower Place.

Together, the dogs and their handlers, Kasey O’Connell and Ed Mayer, passed a National Detection Certification conducted by two independent certifying officials from out of state.  

LVHN acquired the K-9s from Stapleton Security, a national company with a K-9 training facility in East Stroudsburg. The K-9s were trained by Frank Reda, who has worked with hundreds of law enforcement agencies nationwide and is contracted by the Department of Homeland Security as a subject matter expert on K-9 detection.

Training also includes plenty of time acclimating the pups to being around people and crowds.

Weapon detection K-9s are natural hunters. They have been trained to hunt this scent. They have a calm temperament and are highly trainable.

This is probably the question handlers hear most often. When they’re hard on the case at work, it’s best to let the dogs focus on their work. Always ask, and if the handler says it’s OK, both Dexter and Cisco are happy to soak up the attention.

So this Aug. 5, if you feel like you’re working like a dog, know you’re in good company – Dexter and Cisco are right there with you, working hard to keep us all safe.