The Summit Police Department introduced Jasper, a new therapy dog, to the Neighborhood Watch recently.
Cynthia Hernandez, Jasper’s handler, said they are focusing their initial efforts on the police department but plan to reach out to other organizations in Summit and neighboring towns later this year as time permits.
Jasper officially joined the police department in December 2025.
Beyond therapy work, Jasper has been busy with agility, scent work, confidence building, counting, and rally classes. He is currently enrolled in an advanced rally class this spring.
“I think Jasper has had more extracurricular activities in the last four years than I ever have,” Hernandez told the Neighborhood Watch at its March 19 meeting.
Hernandez hopes to introduce Jasper to the community during the National Night Out event at Summit Park in August.