Comfort dog to join Maine Department of Public Safety dispatchers

The Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications has introduced its latest member to the workforce. “Baxter” is a 5-month-old chocolate lab that may change into the state’s first consolation canine for Maine’s three Emergency Communication Facilities.

“These hard-working women and men are a relaxed voice in chaos, multi-tasking, quick-thinking first-line responders who navigate stress and trauma every day,” mentioned Shannon Moss, of the Maine Division of Public Security, in a information launch.

Baxter’s mission is to offer well being and mood-boosting advantages to those Emergency Telecommunicators and the group.

“We’re excited to deliver Baxter, the primary Consolation Canine, to Maine and, I imagine, New England,” mentioned Brodie Hinckley, the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications Director. “Baxter can be a part of our Dispatch Household and supply every day help for our first, first responders, the Emergency Telecommunicators. You may inform how a lot a canine has a therapeutic position and might de-escalate demanding conditions whereas offering unconditional love and help to the crew on a few of their most difficult days simply by being current within the heart. We wish to thank Hero Pups and AT&T for making this occur.”

The Bureau of Emergency Communications has partnered with Hero Pups, a New Hampshire-based all-volunteer nonprofit group devoted to coaching and pairing canine with veterans and first responders. Hero Pups works with principally shelter and rescue canine and entails veterans and first responders within the canine’s coaching course of.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications and completely happy Brodie Hinckley discovered one other manner to assist his group and employees,” mentioned Laura Barker, founding father of Hero Pups. “Brodie is the right individual to be the handler for this pup and we stay up for working with him as we prepare Baxter.”

The Bureau of Emergency Communications was capable of obtain Baxter due to the generosity of AT&T. As public security’s accomplice, AT&T goes past its dedication with the federal authorities to construct and function FirstNet® – America’s public security community – by placing sources behind supporting first responder well being and wellness.

“The devoted ladies and men of Maine’s Emergency Communications Facilities are public security’s first line of response,” mentioned Owen Smith, president of AT&T Maine. “They cope with traumatic occasions, usually one after one other, every day. That’s the place Baxter is available in. With only a wag of his tail, this unbelievable pup will assist lower stress, enhance morale, enhance coping and a lot extra. He’s going to make a serious influence on the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications and in communities throughout the state.”

Baxter will proceed to coach with Hero Pups till April when he’s a 12 months previous, at which level he’ll formally start his duties as a member of Maine’s public security workforce.

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