MOUNT VERNON — In a world often filled with negative stories, stories of compassion shine bright.
Newark Law Director Tricia Moore recognized such a story involving Knox County Deputy Dog Warden Tyler Moore.
According to an email Tricia Moore sent to the Knox County commissioners, Newark has a HOME Court program that assists nonviolent offenders charged with criminal offenses related to homelessness.
The program offers offenders the opportunity to get on their feet and have their charges dismissed by complying with court orders.
“A big component of our program is to help restore dignity to these individuals,” Moore wrote.
An elderly veteran, Jack, struggled with homelessness and was charged with criminal trespass. Jack entered the HOME Court program and has since obtained housing, improved his health, and is “working every day to improve himself.”
“However, there was one spot of sadness with Jack that we were not able to help: He missed his K9 companion Bossi,” Moore wrote.
Jack had medical issues, and others in his home allowed his dogs to run at large.
He eventually surrendered the dogs because he did not have the means to care for them, and the Knox County dog warden took custody of Bossi for about six months.
“Through our program, Jack worked tirelessly to make himself stronger to be able to get his dog back, but needed help figuring out how to make it happen,” Moore wrote.
“With the help of Deputy Tyler Moore, our office was able to work with Jack and his attorney to obtain a safety plan for Bossi for safe return, and Jack was able to pay the fee for her adoption.”
Restoring a heart
When the law director asked Deputy Moore to deliver Bossi to the court so Jack could be reunited with Bossi, Tyler Moore agreed.
“We are forever grateful. The reunion did not allow a dry eye to exist in that room, and a veteran’s heart was made whole,” Tricia Moore wrote.
“Tyler’s kindness and willingness to help us are worthy of praise. It is people like Tyler that change the negative image of law enforcement/dog wardens.
“No one will ever forget that moment and the incredible kindness shown by Tyler that helped restore Jack’s heart and give him a great reason to keep fighting.”
Tricia Moore, Newark law director
“The media is filled with so many negative stories about our officers. However, the stories of empathy and compassion are just as, if not more, important for communities to hear about,” the law director wrote.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you to Tyler and the Knox County administration for helping us make a little miracle happen in our city.”
