Avon Lake Police Department Adds New Crisis K9 Officer

Ruby, a 2.5-year-old rescued black Labrador, will provide emotional support during critical incidents and community events.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a black Labrador's paw against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.A crisis response K9 officer's paw print symbolizes the Avon Lake Police Department's new approach to community support and emotional well-being.Avon Lake Today

The Avon Lake Police Department (ALPD) has a new four-legged member, Crisis K9 Ruby, who has officially joined the force. Ruby's handler, Detective Robert Walborn, recently completed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy's inaugural Crisis K9 certification class. Ruby will be called upon to provide comfort and emotional support to the community during critical incidents, victim interviews, court testimony, and other traumatic events, especially when working with children.

Why it matters

The addition of a crisis-trained K9 officer is a growing trend among police departments looking to better support community members, especially those experiencing high-stress situations. Ruby's calm demeanor and specialized training are intended to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public, fostering stronger connections and trust.

The details

Ruby is a 2.5-year-old rescued black Labrador who will live with her handler, Detective Robert Walborn, full-time. In addition to her crisis response duties, Ruby will also assist the ALPD's existing K9 officer, Lex, in community relations efforts, attending local events and visiting schools and senior centers. Ruby has been put through rigorous training to remain calm in stressful environments and is equipped with her own coloring books to help distract and comfort children during difficult situations.

  • Ruby officially joined the Avon Lake Police Department in April 2026.
  • Detective Walborn recently completed the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy's inaugural Crisis K9 certification class.

The players

Avon Lake Police Department (ALPD)

The local police department in Avon Lake, Ohio that has added Crisis K9 Ruby to its force.

Detective Robert Walborn

The handler for Crisis K9 Ruby, who recently completed specialized training to work with the therapy dog.

Ruby

A 2.5-year-old rescued black Labrador who has joined the Avon Lake Police Department as a crisis response K9 officer.

Chief Caleb Robinson

The police chief of the Avon Lake Police Department who has been supportive of the new crisis K9 program.

Lex

The Avon Lake Police Department's existing K9 officer who will work alongside the new Crisis K9 Ruby.

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What they’re saying

“Ruby will be available to provide comfort to those in crisis by providing a connection that traditional policing may not have bridged.”

— Chief Caleb Robinson, Police Chief, Avon Lake Police Department

“She provides emotional support to individuals during highly stressful situations. She can be used for victim interviews, court testimony, and any other kind of traumatic events. She does especially well with the with kids just serving even as a distraction.”

— Detective Robert Walborn, Handler, Crisis K9 Ruby

“It bridges that gap between law enforcement and the community, and it gives a nice talking point to be able to love on her and have a good conversation.”

— Detective Robert Walborn, Handler, Crisis K9 Ruby

What’s next

The Avon Lake Police Department plans to continue integrating Crisis K9 Ruby into the community, with the dog and her handler attending local events and visiting schools and senior centers.

The takeaway

The addition of a specialized crisis response K9 officer represents a growing trend among police departments seeking to better support community members, especially those experiencing high-stress situations. Ruby's calm demeanor and specialized training are intended to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public, fostering stronger connections and trust.