Providence Everett adds K-9 to Colby Campus emergency department security team
News release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 28, 2025
– ‘Rubi' is trained to be a calming presence and increase caregiver safety
– Initial funding comes from generous donation to Providence General Foundation
– K-9s and their handlers from Providence Everett, Swedish Edmonds to be introduced at the Everett AquaSox ‘Bark in the Park’ game June10
EVERETT, WA, May 28, 2025 – Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (PRMCE) recently added a trained K-9 and handler to its Emergency Department (ED) security team at the Colby Campus (1700 13th St., Everett). Although the addition of ‘Rubi’ marks a first for Snohomish County’s largest medical center, the almost two-year-old female German Shepherd is the 15th trained detection dog Providence has successfully deployed in hospital EDs throughout Washington state and Alaska.
Rubi, under the guidance of her handler, Security Officer Anthony Zepeda, is trained to be a calming presence, de-escalate tense situations and provide detection in and around the ED to help reduce workplace violence and increase caregiver safety. Their role is especially valuable since health care workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in all other industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Every caregiver should come to work feeling safe, protected and valued. That’s why our Security department and PRMCE executive leadership decided to add a K-9 to the Colby Campus Emergency Department,” said Kristy Carrington, RN, MBA, chief executive of Providence Swedish North Puget Sound. “This program is similar to established K-9 programs at Swedish’s Edmonds, First Hill and Cherry Hill campuses, which were designed in collaboration with caregivers, leadership and labor unions. That collective experience will allow PRMCE’s Security team to use those in-system learnings to build a K-9 program we can all be proud of to keep our caregivers safe.”
Experience shows dogs make a difference
Since instituting their respective K-9 programs, Providence Sacred Heart in Spokane and Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage have seen a 30% drop in workplace violence. Also, in more than 400 deployments at Providence Sacred Heart, not once has their dog been required to physically engage. Instead, the dog’s presence consistently helps de-escalate situations. Currently, 14% of hospitals in the U.S. have K-9 units.
Another level of authority
Hospitals need safe and effective ways to prevent the use of force to protect caregivers, security officers and visitors. In a situation with escalating tension, Rubi’s presence will act as a visual deterrent and provide another level of authority for Security staff. The K-9 will always be on a leash and under the control of Security Officer Zepeda.
Rubi is a detection dog, not a patrol dog
There is a difference between patrol and detection dogs. Patrol dogs are trained to apprehend suspects who have been involved in a serious crime. Detection dogs are trained specifically to look for narcotics or bombs and are not typically aggressive. “Rubi tested low for aggression, which makes her a perfect fit for detection, socializing and working in the hospital setting,” said Security Officer Zepeda. “She is not trained in apprehension.”
Rubi, Security Officer Zepeda received high-level training
In preparation for the start of their work together, Rubi and Security Officer Zepeda received high-level training together in Alabama between mid-March and early May. Just like at other facilities, PRMCE’s K-9 program included training for the dog and handler to be culturally aware and sensitive to the historical implications of dogs as a deterrent to violence associated with people of color, as well as other racial and ethnic minorities.
After successfully completing the K-9 training course, Rubi and Security Officer Zepeda enjoyed a couple of weeks off before working their first shift together on May 19. When not working, Rubi lives with Security Officer Zepeda and his family at their home in Marysville.
Generous donation to enable a safer workplace
Steve and Carol Klein, owners of Everett-based Klein Honda, made a generous donation to the Providence General Foundation to fund startup costs for the K-9 program at PRMCE. The Klein’s philanthropic support also included supporting the costs of a new, retrofitted, dog-friendly Honda sport utility vehicle that Security Officer Zepeda drives when Rubi needs to be transported.
“Providence General Foundation is grateful for the Klein’s generous support, which helped launch the program,” said Carrington. “Over time, we will continue raising funds to support ongoing costs associated with the K-9 program.”
Everett AquaSox ‘Bark in the Park’ game June 10
As a way to help introduce Rubi to the community, the K-9 and her handler, Security Officer Zepeda – along with their counterparts from the Swedish Edmonds Emergency Department – will attend the Everett AquaSox ‘Bark in the Park’ game on Tuesday night, June 10. Before the 5 p.m. matchup vs. the Tri-City Dust Devils, the two K-9 teams will be introduced to attendees as they walk from the pitching mound to home plate at Funko Field (3900 Broadway, Everett). The ceremonial first pitch will then be thrown by Steve and Carol Klein.
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About Providence Swedish
Providence Swedish has served the Puget Sound region since the first Providence hospital opened in Seattle in 1877 and the first Swedish hospital opened in 1910. The two organizations affiliated in 2012 and today comprise the largest health-care delivery system in Western Washington, with 22,000 caregivers, eight hospitals and 244 clinics throughout Western Washington – from Everett to Centralia. A not-for-profit family of organizations, Providence Swedish provides more than $545 million in community benefit in the Puget Sound region each year. The health system offers a comprehensive range of services – as well as specialty and subspecialty care – in a number of clinical areas, including cancer, cardiovascular health, neurosciences, orthopedics, digestive health and women’s and children’s care. For more information, visit providence.org/swedish.
About Providence General Foundation
Providence General Foundation raises funds to improve the quality of health care in the Greater North Puget Sound region. Through donor gifts, it supports programs and services offered by Providence Regional Medical Center Everett with special emphasis on reaching the most vulnerable in our community. For more information, visit foundation.providence.org/wa/everett.
