There’s a new dog on paw patrol Monday in Santa Monica.
The Santa Monica Fire Department this week launched a new K-9 Peer Support Program, introducing its first member — Roger, an English Labrador certified to provide comfort and emotional support.
The dog is part of “an initiative designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of firefighters and other Santa Monica city employees and community members,” according to a fire department spokeswoman.
Roger will work with a designated peer support team handler during fire station visits, critical incident debriefings and community events, officials said.
The dog will “‘interact with the public and be available to firefighters and city employees in need of emotional support.”
“Through Roger’s efforts, the program aims to provide comfort, reduce stress and promote emotional resilience for Santa Monica Fire Department personnel as well as the broader community,” Fire Chief Matthew Hallock said in a statement. “We are thrilled to introduce this program as a proactive step in supporting the mental wellness of our firefighters and city employees.”
Hallock said therapy dogs can ease stress, boost morale and help firefighters open up about the emotional toll of their work.
Other area departments with K-9 support programs include the Redondo Beach Fire Department, Orange County Fire Authority, Huntington Beach Fire Department, the Westminster Police Department and the Newport Beach and Torrance fire departments.