(KRON) — K9 Rookie, San Mateo Police Department’s first therapy dog, has been recognized for his impactful work in community policing since joining in 2021.
Rookie, assigned to Youth Services Officer Allison Adle, focuses on wellness, trauma response, and community engagement, providing support to children and families experiencing trauma.
“Rookie has been by my side since day one,” said Officer Adle. “He’s more than a partner—he’s a vital part of how we connect with our community, especially our youth.”
Rookie was selected at just 10 weeks old to launch a new initiative focused on wellness and trauma response. His calm and composed nature made him an ideal candidate for this role.
Rookie completed specialized training with Trident and advanced certification courses through the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio, earning AKC Canine Good Citizen and Urban Canine Good Citizen certifications.
Rookie and Officer Adle received national recognition with the 2025 NASRO Safety and Support Companion Award for their outstanding service in school safety and youth support.
In partnership with a local high school, the San Mateo Police Department launched “Rookie’s Room,” a dedicated space for students to participate in wellness check-ins, where Rookie helps break down barriers and provides a safe environment.
Rookie assists during Child and Family Services calls and participates in community outreach, fostering positive interactions between law enforcement and residents.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before being published.
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