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Renton Police introduce therapy canine ‘Wally’ and honor officers for life‑saving responses
Summary
The Renton Police Department presented a new therapy canine program and awarded life‑saving and meritorious service medals to officers after incidents including a shooting and an active‑shooter response.
Chief Schultz introduced Wally, a therapy canine the Renton Police Department plans to certify to assist employees, victims, witnesses and community members with trauma-related stress. The chief described Wally as a 16‑month‑old English yellow Labrador nearing completion of training with his handler, Officer Myers.
“It’s my honor and privilege to represent the police department this evening and to recognize and celebrate several of our department members,” Chief Schultz said as he described the department’s new wellness program and Wally’s role in community outreach and staff resilience.
Chief Schultz and other department leaders also presented life‑saving and meritorious‑service medals to officers involved in three separate incidents described to the council:
- A July 12 after‑hours shooting in which officers found a victim with multiple gunshot wounds; officers applied trauma care on scene and medics later provided a blood transfusion. The chief said the officers’ care before transport “undoubtedly saved the victim’s life.”
- A July 14 active‑shooter response at an apartment complex in which officers located and detained a person believed to be in a mental‑health crisis, then administered CPR and used an AED when the subject lost consciousness. The department cited the team’s swift action and medical aid as meriting the meritorious service medal.
- A Nov. 27 domestic‑violence call where Officer Bowie (identified in remarks as “Blake”) maintained contact with a person armed with knives for about two hours, de‑escalated the situation and secured a peaceful surrender.
Chief Schultz also announced internal promotions and awards, naming Sergeant Tabeau as promoted effective Dec. 1, 2024, and presenting Detective Kevin Lane with the department’s officer of the year recognition, noting his work on pursuit procedure updates and training.
Council members and audience members were invited to meet Wally after the presentations; the chief thanked council members for support of the department’s wellness and community programs.
