Guthrie Expands K9 Security Adding Second Team

August 15, 2025
Guthrie introduced its second K9 Security Team today as part of its ongoing commitment to workplace safety

Guthrie introduced its second K9 Security Team today as part of its ongoing commitment to workplace safety. The new team — K9 Scout and his handler Officer Daniel Redder — was presented during a press conference at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. 

Scout, an 80-pound Belgian Malinois, joins K9 Echo and Officer Jennifer Vaughn, who began service in April. Together, they form the region's only K9 security program at a health system.  

Though based in Cortland, N.Y., the new team will serve throughout the Guthrie system, working to de-escalate situations and ensure a safe environment for caregivers, patients and visitors.

Please note that Scout is a working dog and should not be approached without Officer Redder's permission. 

This expansion addresses the persistent national concern of violence against health care workers. A 2024 nationwide survey by National Nurses United revealed that 81.6 percent of nurses reported experiencing at least one type of workplace violence incident in the past year. 

“My overall message today is that we remain profoundly committed to ensuring the safety and security of our caregivers, patients and community," said Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, President and CEO of The Guthrie Clinic. "We know that in order to heal safe, you must feel safe." 

Jen Yartym, President of Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, has witnessed the local impact of this national trend.  

"It is heartbreaking to see someone who has devoted their entire life to caring for others experience violence by either the patients or families they are trying to help," she said. 

Beyond the K9 program, Guthrie continues to advocate for state and federal legislation to protect health care workers, including the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act, which would make it a federal crime to assault a hospital employees. 

Speakers: 

  • Dr. Ed Sabanegh, President and CEO, The Guthrie Clinic; 

  • Andrew Dunnick, Senior Director of Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness, The Guthrie Clinic; 

  • Jennifer Yartym, President, Guthrie Cortland Medical Center 

  • Cortland Mayor Scott Steve 

  • Cortland Chief of Police David Guerrera