Burien, WA – At the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC), we train officers to serve their communities with integrity, skill, and accountability. But some stories transcend training and resonate on a deeply personal level—like the remarkable journey of Lenny the K-9 and the two Green Berets who handled him.
Lenny, an eight-year-old specialized bomb detection and tracking dog, spent his career alongside Andrew Rigel and Jon Porter, both U.S. Army Special Forces members known as the Green Berets. His years of service reflect the dedication and bond that define the partnerships between handlers and their K-9 companions.
Forging Bonds in Service
Andrew and Jon crossed paths in 2013 while serving in the same special forces company at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In 2019, Andrew was partnered with Lenny—a high-drive, multi-purpose K-9 expertly trained in explosive detection and tracking. Together, they undertook deployments to Thailand, where Lenny demonstrated his skills in fast-roping from helicopters, navigating high-risk missions, and providing steadfast support to Andrew during critical operations.
When Andrew left the kennel in 2021 and retired in 2022, Lenny was assigned to Jon. “We don’t get to pick our dogs,” Jon explained. “It’s about personality matching. Lenny and I spent months learning each other, but he was already so well-trained. My job was to learn how to work with him.”
Under Jon’s guidance, Lenny continued to excel, becoming the first dog to fast-rope with the South Korean military—a groundbreaking moment for their partnership.
A New Chapter
After years of dedicated service, Lenny retired alongside Jon. Soon after, Andrew was given the opportunity to adopt Lenny. “When I retired, I didn’t think I’d see him again,” Andrew shared. “But bringing him home has been incredible. He’s now a beloved part of my family.”
For Lenny, retirement brought new joys—a loving home, children to play with, and the peace of family life. His high-energy drive has softened into a friendly and approachable demeanor.
Reunited Through WSCJTC
Both Andrew and Jon found new careers in law enforcement, with Andrew becoming a firearms instructor at WSCJTC and John joining the Lakewood Police Department. When Jon graduated from WSCJTC’s academy, Andrew surprised him by bringing Lenny to the ceremony—a heartwarming reunion for the trio.
Reflecting on the moment, Jon said, “It was great to see Lenny again. He looks healthy, happy, and relaxed. Seeing him in a home environment is amazing—it’s where he belongs.”
Building Skills, Shaping Communities
Lenny’s story reflects our values at WSCJTC: fostering trust, building connections, and shaping public safety professionals ready to serve their communities. The legacy of service shared by Lenny, Andrew, and John inspires us all to embrace the commitment and compassion that define our work.
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