There is officially a new four-legged friend making the rounds at WellSpan York Hospital.
Reacher, a golden retriever, accompanies Officer Jonathan Hatterer from the York City Police Department while he is on duty as a hospital resource officer (HRO) at the hospital. Reacher plays a significant role each day, providing therapeutic and healing support to patients as well as emotional support to team members and first responders.
Being a good boy.
“Our team members, patients and visitors can count on Reacher on good days and the more challenging days,” said Dr. Alyssa Moyer, vice president, WellSpan Health and president, WellSpan York Hospital. “His presence aligns with our commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all who are seeking or providing care.”

Dr. Alyssa Moyer, Officer Jonathan Hatterer and York Mayor Michael Helfrich join Reacher at his swearing-in today.
Reacher’s work with Officer Hatterer is an expansion of the HRO program, which assigns a subset of police officers from a municipality’s jurisdiction to a hospital. Reacher was trained by the Hero Academy, which trains and provides service dogs and facility dogs to veterans, first responders, their families and communities.
Officer Hatterer and Reacher are there when times are tough, like the comforting of a loved one during end-of-life care. Reacher has a special ability to read emotions and provide comfort for those when they need it most. Sometimes that includes providing support for WellSpan team members too.
To officially give Reacher the proper WellSpan welcome, WellSpan York Hospital leadership and team members recently hosted the City of York Mayor Michael Helfrich and Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow for a swearing-in ceremony.
Officer Hatterer helps Reacher raise his paw to be sworn in by Mayor Helfrich.
Officer Hatterer and Reacher vowed to “faithfully and impartially perform the duties as a community engagement K-9 to the best ability in the accordance with the law...And at all times, strive to use the power entrusted for the best interest of the city – whether it be with the patients, visitors and team members here in the hospital or when visiting others across the community."
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