By Anne Runkle
The Oakland Press
TROY, Mich. — A four-legged assistant charged with providing companionship and mental health support has joined the Troy Fire Department.
The Golden Retriever comes to Troy through a nonprofit called Thin Line Service Dogs, dedicated to providing service animals to first responders and veterans at no cost.
The dog assists firefighters with mental health needs and will also be used to comfort victims at house fires, car crashes and other calls. He will also go to city events to interact with the community, said Lt. Keith Young.
As his training progresses, other duties could be added, Young said.
“There are roughly 60-80 commands he could do,” he said.
Dogs have a long history helping firefighters; now they expand their role to offer physical and mental health benefits
Except for a few management-level personnel, volunteer firefighters serve the Troy Fire Department.
The nonprofit names its service animals after a fallen first responder or veteran, and is finalizing a name for the dog assigned to Troy.
“This collaboration underscores Troy Fire Department’s commitment to the complete well-being of its personnel and other community heroes,” the department said in a release.
“Together with TLSD, the department hopes to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that first responders and the community have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
The dog lives with Young and goes to work with him Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. He is available outside of those hours to respond to incidents in the city, Young said.
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