A California fire department is exploring a program to use dogs to help firefighters address their mental health.
The Hanford Fire Department is working with California Service Dog Academy to launch the initiative, the department announced on its Facebook page Sunday. Photos of firefighters with a few of the service canines also were included with the announcement.
The dog academy, which is located in Visalia, is donating two golden retriever puppies to the department to begin the program, KSFN-TV reports. The group, which often works with veterans, will be providing training and support.
Two Hanford firefighters will care for the dogs, and the program will address the mental wellness of both first responders and the public, KSFN added. The department said the initiative already has received "lots of support from the crews."
"We look forward to the future of this program," the department added.
