The Santa Monica Fire Fire Department welcomed the latest in addition to the crew on Monday: Roger, support dog.
Roger, 6-year-old Labrador, is approved support from K-9 trainers to provide comfort and companionship. He is the first member of the team in the new K-9 support program in SMD.
SMPD launched the program this week, an initiative that the administration said is designed to support mental health and the welfare of firefighters, as well as city employees and other community members.
“By working as well as the processor of the assigned peer support team, Roger will visit the firefighters, and bring extracts after critical accidents, attend societal events to interact with the public and are available to firefighters and city employees who need emotional support,” SMPD explained in a statement.
This will be the second function of Furry Trailblazer. Ktla fire officials told Roger that he was originally trained as a guide dog to visually help the blind and weak, and as soon as this role ended, he received additional training to be support from the K-9 peer.
“We are pleased to present this program as a pre -emptive step in supporting the mental wellness of our firefighters and city employees,” said fire chief Matthew Haluk. “It has been proven that the presence of a treatment dog to reduce stress levels, improve morale and encourage open conversations about mental health.”
SMPD pointed out that, given the intense and painful nature often for the work of firefighters, adding Roger to the crew and launching this program aims to help give priority to a healthy and supportive work environment.
“We believe this initiative will affect our team,” said Haluk president.