I try not to play favorites, especially when it comes to our visitors at Eastern State. So many really interesting, nice people visit ESP, and we try to make sure that everyone has a memorable experience. I have to say, though, that I may have picked a favorite. In all of my years at Eastern, I don’t think I’ve ever liked any visitor as much as I liked Wade.
Wade works for the government and travels around the world protecting the President and Vice President, detecting bombs, and generally working to keep people safe. Oh yeah... he’s also a dog. A chocolate Labrador in fact. Wade (and his very nice handler, Technician Surfield) visited the prison on January 13th while he was in town on official business. Wade wanted to sniff around the place and check things out, and we were more than happy to accommodate the decorated agent. I learned that Wade is not only the only Labrador, but also the only floppy eared dog, in the entire Secret Service! How cute. He is the only active duty dog that has discovered multiple bombs. He has visited six continents as part of his service, and he has even flown aboard Air Force One with the President. The rumor is that he doesn’t get along too well with Bo, the President’s Portuguese Water Dog.
During his visit, I couldn’t help but notice the resemblance between Wade and ESP’s own Pep, and seeing him scamper around the cellblocks was like a trip back in time. For a moment I could totally picture the way that Pep probably roamed the halls here. Lots of stuff to see, plenty of things to smell, and tons of people who just want to pet you.
Fran Dolan
Associate Director for Tour Programs and Site Operations
