Officer Watson Reports for Duty: A Community’s Promise to Every Child
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Every day, SRO Lowes and Officer Watson report for duty with a simple mission: helping children feel safe, supported, and valued.
As the Huntington Police Department's School Resource Canine team, Officer Lowes and Canine Watson havebecome trusted companions, sources of comfort and symbols of what is possible when a community comes together to invest in the well-being of its children. Their story is not just about a dog. It is about a community-wide commitment to mental health, healing and the belief that every child deserves to know they matter.
The partnership of Officer Lowes and Officer Watson was made possible through the collaboration and generosity of local organizations, community leaders, and supporters who recognized the growing need to support students both academically and emotionally. Together, they shared a vision of creating a stronger support system for children and families throughout Huntington County.
The School Resource Canine program was developed through a partnership between the Huntington Police Department, Huntington County Community Schools, and community supporters who shared a commitment to student safety and well-being. Following extensive planning, training, and collaboration, Officer Daniel Lowes and Officer Watson became certified as a School Resource Canine team through the International Police Work Dog Association and began serving Huntington County schools during the 2026-2027 school year.
That vision now walks school hallways on four paws.
Whether they are greeting students in the morning, offering comfort during difficult moments or helping break down barriers between young people and trusted adults, Officer Watson provides something uniquely powerful: unconditional acceptance. His calm presence helps create an environment where students feel comfortable, connected, and understood.
The positive relationship between humans and dogs has long been recognized for its ability to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and promote emotional well-being. For students facing challenges such as grief, loneliness, trauma, stress or uncertainty, Officer Watson often becomes a source of stability and reassurance. Sometimes healing begins not with words, but with a gentle nudge, a wagging tail or a quiet companion willing to simply be present.
Officer Watson's impact extends beyond individual students. He helps strengthen the connection between schools, families, and law enforcement by creating opportunities for meaningful interactions and trust-building. Through those relationships, students learn that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that support is always within reach.
At the heart of Officer Watson's story is love.
Love for children.
Love for community.
Love expressed through action by organizations and individuals who came together to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Their partnership reflects a shared belief that every child is important, every child deserves support, and every child has immeasurable value. By investing in Officer Watson, these community partners invested in something much larger than a program. They invested in hope, connection, and the emotional health of future generations.
The Huntington Police Department is proud of the role Officer Lowes and Officer Watson play in our schools andare grateful to the many community partners who helped make his service possible. Together, they have demonstrated that when organizations unite around a common purpose, incredible things can happen.
Officer Watson may wear his badge a little differently than the rest of our officers, but his mission is the same: to serve, protect and make our community stronger.
One paw, one student and one act of kindness at a time.
To honor this special partnership, Bowen Health documented Officer Watson and SRO Lowes together. That video can be viewed on this page.