Lancaster County Corrections introduces Valor, a facility dog to support staff wellness

Lancaster County Corrections introduced Valor, a facility dog, to the Board of Commissioners during the Sept. 29 meeting as a program to support staff wellness and mental health. Brad Johnson, County Corrections Director, said Valor and his handlers Sergeant Jon Lewis and Officer Dylan Ribble have received positive responses from staff and that the department hopes to expand Valor’s role into inmate programming as an incentive for appropriate behavior.

Chair Christa Yoakum asked about Valor’s schedule; Johnson said Valor is currently assigned to the night watch team with a goal to transition to day shifts to increase opportunities for staff interaction. Vice Chair Chelsea Johnson recognized two program advocates, Courtney McCoy and Maria Hatfield, for their instrumental roles in advancing the facility dog effort. The Board thanked the handlers for bringing Valor forward and acknowledged the program’s potential to improve staff wellbeing.