On Oct. 21, a beloved, four-legged member of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office team officially retired after a decade of service to the people of King County. A proclamation ceremony in King County Council Chambers commemorated Errol’s remarkable service to hundreds of victims and witnesses over the years.
Courthouse dogs are trained to assist people with mental disabilities, elderly individuals, teens and young children — essentially anyone who might find a dog comforting — as they are called upon to provide courtroom testimony or go through a witness interview.
“For 10 years, Errol has served the people of King County with quiet strength, patience, and an extraordinary gift for bringing calm and comfort to hundreds of vulnerable witnesses: Young children. Survivors of gender-based violence. Our elders. And so many others as they navigated the most difficult moments of their lives,” said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion. “I want to congratulate Errol, and thank his handler, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Chair of our Elder Abuse Unit, Page Ulrey, whose vision has brought the gift of canine companionship not only to the King County Courthouse, but to the rest of the nation.”
The Courthouse Dogs Foundation traces its roots to the King County Courthouse, where the idea to pair trained dogs with people navigating the justice system first took hold. In 2004, Ellie (trained by Canine Companions) became the first courthouse facility dog in the nation, working with her handler, Page Ulrey, at the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO). Years later, Ulrey and the KCPAO welcomed Errol, who stepped into his own place in history as the 100th courthouse facility dog in the country, said Felicia Ako, CEO, Courthouse Dogs Foundation.
“For the past decade, Errol and Page have partnered to bring comfort, courage, and compassion to those facing the often-daunting judicial process. Their dedication embodies the empathy our justice system needs but often lacks. As Errol retires, we reflect on the incredible history he, his predecessor Ellie, and Page have made. As we celebrate Errol’s retirement, we honor both his place in judicial history and the legacy that lives on in the countless individuals he helped to find their voice and strength in court,” Ako said.
Errol, who just turned 12, is the nation’s 100th courthouse dog.
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Errol is retiring as a courthouse dog. Courtesy photo
Page Ulrey and Felicia Ako of the Courthouse with Errol. Courtesy photo
