Rock Community Fire District Badges New K-9 Ambassador

At a recent Rock Community Fire Protection District Board of Directors meeting, Madison the therapy dog was officially commissioned as Lt. Madison, the district's new K-9 ambassador. 

Madison will be used as an animal-assisted therapy dog for area schools and nursing homes. Madison was trained through Support Dogs of St. Louis as a full-fledged licensed service dog. Madison lives with Ron Harder, the district's public information and education officer. He will also be Madison’s handler at all schools and events.

Madison is the newest addition to the district’s many public education programs. She will go to various classrooms to assist those children who have learning or reading disabilities such as ADHD. Madison's calming presence will assist area school children to better concentrate and read.

She will also act as an advocate dog for school counseling for those children who may feel more comfortable talking to a personal friend such as Madison about tragic or personal loss in their lives.

Madison has already been used with Rock Community’s Special Ed Fire Academy at Simpson Elementary to assist children with autism to encourage them to learn more about fire safety.

Rock Community is the first fire district in the area with a certified service dog.

Editor's note: This information ws provided by the Rock Community Fire Protection District.