The stress level at Plymouth’s fire stations is likely lower these days – thanks to Rio.
No, taxpayers are not funding vacations in Brazil for local firefighters. Rio is a 19-month-old black lab trained as a comfort dog.
After learning the ropes of his new role – he completed training in February – Rio has already made the rounds at the town’s seven fire stations several times. He’s even “accompanied first responders to the scenes of fires, including one in North Plymouth on Monday, March 17,” according to a department press release.
You might have also spotted him at Town Hall, the Plymouth Center for Active Living, and Manomet Elementary School.
“A rarity among fire departments, Rio’s primary role is contributing to the wellness of Plymouth firefighters and EMS personnel,” the department said. “The availability of comfort dogs is a growing trend across the public safety spectrum, promoting wellness, reducing anxiety and stress, and increasing morale in the workplace.”
Under the guidance of Plymouth Emergency Management Director Christian Horvath, Rio will visit more schools, attend community events, and offer his canine comfort to those in need, including “Plymouth residents impacted by house fires and adolescents who witness crashes, overdoses, and other tragedies.”
The in-demand dog comes from Puppies Behind Bars, a New York nonprofit that trains prison inmates “to raise service dogs for veterans, police, and first responders,” the department said. Rio was raised and trained by inmates at the Fishkill Correctional Facility in Beacon, New York.
His mission extends beyond the town’s borders, too. He and Horvath are enrolled in the Plymouth County Comfort Dogs Program through the district attorney’s office, joining more than 20 similarly trained dogs.
Horvath came up with the proposal for a fire department comfort dog last May. Chief Neil Foley signed off on the idea, and a $5,000 grant from the DA’s office is covering veterinary and food costs. (We can’t say whether Town Meeting might be asked to appropriate additional funding for treats and chew toys.)
“Rio just has a calming effect wherever we go,” Horvath said. “He just has that aura about him, and everyone seems a little happier. He brings a sense of general calmness. It helps kids with special needs and kids with regular anxiety. It makes them smile when we walk into the class and hang out for 10 minutes.”
Don’t tell Rio, but he is not Plymouth’s only public-facing comfort dog. There are two others connected with the Plymouth Police Department. At Plymouth South High School, a yellow lab named Baja pads down the halls under the tutelage of School Resource Officer Alex Smolinsky. At Plymouth North High School, Sasha, a black lab, is assigned to School Resource Officer Shawn Ireland.
Foley said he looks forward to Rio “helping to bring a smile, consolation, and comfort to those who might otherwise be having a rough day.”
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.