K-9 Security Officer

NCMC’s new Security K-9, Bear, began his job on May 25, 2010.  Bear is a Slovakian shepherd and makes his rounds with Security Officer Kathy Zavakos-Rocha.  The two put in 200 hours of training to become certified and receive 16 hours each month of continuous training.  The pair is certified in crowd control, patrol, protection and search and tracking. 

Bear and Kathy work 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, patrolling the hospital’s campus – both indoors and outdoors.

The presence of a K-9 immediately calms tense situations, which can be especially helpful in the Emergency department where they often encounter emotional patients and visitors.  

Visitors, patients and staff are asked not to engage Bear or pet him while he is working as it can be confusing for him.  Kathy walks on the opposite side of the hallway with Bear toward the wall to minimize distractions and interactions with staff and visitors. 

Bear lives with Kathy and at home is very much a pet and a part of the family.