Lycoming County commissioners on Thursday issued a proclamation recognizing the county’s Courthouse Dog Program and the service of facility dogs Jedi and Ludo, acknowledging the program’s role in providing emotional support to victims, witnesses and children navigating the judicial process.

"I'm the lucky one that gets to hold the leash," said Jerry Rook, the handler mentioned in the proclamation, speaking at the ceremony. Commissioners noted the program’s partnership with Canine Companions, which provides facility dogs and training, and thanked the Lycoming County Department of Children and Youth Services for financial support of the placement.

The proclamation noted the 2025 anniversary of Canine Companions and said Ludo has served alongside handler Jerry Rook for three years following Jedi’s earlier service. Officials said the program also provides services outside the courthouse at local schools and the pre-release center.

Speakers at the ceremony and commissioners praised the calming influence facility dogs have on children and victims and thanked volunteers and partner organizations for sustaining the program. An online public comment later in the meeting asked whether Ludo still serves at the pre-release center; county staff did not provide a new timeline in the meeting record.

The commissioners posed for photographs with Ludo after reading the proclamation and said they appreciated the program’s role in trauma-informed justice.