CoxHealth in Springfield is adding two new members to its Public Safety and Security team. They are K-9 officers, Hugo and Ackley. Both are registered German Shepherds.
They’ll be making patrols at Cox South and Cox North soon. According to a news release, evidence shows K-9 officers “are effective tools to enhance safety and satisfaction in health care settings.”
CoxHealth officials said national trends show the number of assaults experienced by health care workers from patients and family members is increasing. They hope the dogs will be a calming presence during tense situations.
Hugo and Ackley will live with at home with their handlers.
