There’s a good chance you might encounter a beautiful German Shepherd dog on your next visit to a Lakeland Health facility thanks to the recent arrival of Inez — a two-year-old female canine from Hungary. She is one half of the new team of certified K-9 Security Officers for Lakeland.
Bruce Modigell, a retired police officer with more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, is the other half of that new K-9 team.
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.
Rich Matthews is Executive Director of Safety & Security for Lakeland Health. He says, “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.” He adds, “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.”
Handler Bruce Modigell says, “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.” He adds, “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.”
Lakeland authorities caution, 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.
