News

K-9 Team Joins Lakeland Health
Apr 5, 2018

Lakeland Health is pleased to welcome a new team of certified K-9 security officers — Bruce Modigell, a retired police officer with more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, and Inez, a two-year-old female German shepherd from Hungary.

Following the selection of Inez in February, the K-9 team completed a rigorous three-week training at a full-service facility in Indiana before starting patrol at Lakeland facilities. In recent years, hospital security departments have involved K-9 teams as a cost-effective resource to help diffuse tense situations, detect weapons or bombs, and deescalate potentially violent situations.

“K-9 teams are a growing trend among health systems throughout the country because they are a proven, non-lethal way to help reduce assaults and violent acts,” said Rich Matthews, Executive Director of Safety and Security, Lakeland Health. “We want to be proactive in ensuring the safety of everyone who enters our facilities and help de-escalate tension and stress for our patients and team members before a real issue arises.”

“I have always been a dog lover and when I heard about the new K-9 program I thought it was a great opportunity for myself and for Lakeland,” said Modigell. “Working with Inez has been a very positive experience. Every day I come to work Inez puts smiles on the faces of patients, visitors, and team members.”

If you should encounter Inez at a Lakeland Health facility, keep in mind she is a working dog, not a pet or therapy animal and always ask the handler permission first before approaching the dog.