Bassett Healthcare Network has announced that it is expanding its K-9 security team in 2023. At the end of last year, the team welcomed Coal and his partner, Ryan Salisbury. An additional unit will join the health system by spring 2023.

“Over the past few years, Bassett’s K-9 unit has been very successful. We are so proud of the important work our unit and security personnel do every day to keep our patients, visitors and staff members safe,” said Dr Tommy Ibrahim, President & CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network.

Coal, along with Bassett’s other security K-9, Hudson, rotate across Bassett’s hospital and clinic campuses to help meet the increased security needs healthcare workers face.

“Coal and Hudson are extremely intelligent, highly in tune with their environments and adaptable to the moment,” said Harold Southworth, Director of Public Safety and Transportation at Bassett, who has led the development of the organization’s K-9 program. “They add a new level of expertise and human connection to our Security team.”