One of Moncton’s biggest celebrities will be attending school this spring, but it won’t be your average school.
Tanker is a therapy dog from Riverview Fire and Rescue and has been invited to participate in extensive training at law enforcement K-12 schools in Columbus, Ohio.
Lt. Dave Murray, the tanker’s handler, said this is a big problem for the department.
“There are only 12 people selected in all of North America, but we are one of the lucky ones to compete. All North American, but mostly in the United States. Sometimes they pick a few from here in Canada. ” Murray said.
Miniature Goldendoodles are very well known in the community. Over the past year, Tanker has visited nursing homes, attended sporting events and made numerous public appearances.
Tanker T-shirts and socks are also available.
“It’s pretty interesting going through grocery stores and things like that,” Murray said. “He’s such a celebrity. They always ask, ‘Is this a tanker?’ And I think, “Oh, it’s this guy,” and they think, “Oh, he’s so famous,” so that’s really great. Everyone loves him so why does he hate dogs? ”
But his main job is to be there when firefighters return from a tough call.
A news release sent by the Town of Riverview on Feb. 14 said Tanker was chosen because of its potential to help even more people outside of the fire department through the program.
“Tankers are an important part of our department, and in their short time on the job, they have played a tremendous role in our community engagement and public education on fire safety,” True said. said in a news release. We ask him and Lt. Murray to take this opportunity to embrace our values of dedication and professionalism as they continue their training. ”
Tracy Ryan of Canine Therapy for First Responders said Murray and Tanker did “important work” for the morale and mental health of both firefighters and the community.
“They were chosen over many other teams in North America because of their significant impact on the community and leadership in implementing their training,” Ryan said in a news release.
“This enhanced knowledge will allow them to expand their scope to collaborate with other departments in many intense scenarios, and we are confident they will continue to deliver great results at Riverview and beyond.” doing.”
Murray said Tanker will interact with other dogs and animals, especially at the Columbus Zoo.
“A helicopter is coming and is going to land on top of us and take off, but the helicopter doesn’t react to it. So does the drone that flies over him. Then he starts speeding away with sirens blaring. “The important thing is not to react to stressful situations,” Murray said.
The program will be held in June.
