Port Coquitlam to welcome first-of-its-kind support dog to fire department

Port Coquitlam is preparing to welcome a new four-legged member to its fire department – one trained not to search for smoke or track missing people, but to sense stress, ease trauma, and support emotional wellbeing.

On Nov. 13, the city announced it has partnered with BC and Alberta Guide Dogs to introduce a facility support dog to Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services (PCFES), marking the first program of its kind in the Lower Mainland. 

The initiative aims to strengthen mental-health support for firefighters, city staff and residents after difficult calls and during emergency operations.

Mayor Brad West said the city is committed to backing the firefighters who routinely respond to the most distressing moments in community life.

“Our firefighters are there for us on our worst days, and this program ensures that support goes both ways,” he said in the city’s press release. “By investing in their mental health and wellbeing, we are not only helping those who serve but also strengthening the resilience of our entire community.”

The dog is one of 22 currently in specialized training, and is expected to arrive within six months. Once the dog completes its training and arrives, Port Coquitlam will hold a swearing-in ceremony to officially welcome its furry new employee.

A new tool for trauma support

PCFES Deputy Chief Blake Clarkson told council on Nov. 12 the dog will be trained to recognize elevated stress in people by detecting chemical changes such as heightened pheromone levels. That early cue will allow its handler to step in with timely intervention and peer support.

“This program is the first of its kind for BC dogs,” Clarkson said. “The dog is being specially trained to recognize and respond to individuals giving off a higher level of pheromones — a sign of high stress — so the handler can provide support when needed.”

He said that unlike other fire department support dogs that work closely with a single firefighter, Port Coquitlam’s dog will be trained to comfort a wider circle: frontline members, staff, and members of the public experiencing trauma.

The animal will be deployed after critical incidents, during Emergency Operations Centre activations, at Emergency Support Services (ESS) sites, at group lodging facilities and during community wellness events where PCFES is involved. 

Clarkson said the service will also be available when fire prevention staff assist displaced residents after a call.

Council welcomes “innovative” mental-health investment

Several councillors praised the program during the meeting, calling it a forward-thinking approach to firefighter wellness.

Coun. Steve Darling – who also serves on the board of BC and Alberta Guide Dogs – said he has seen firsthand the profound impact these animals can have. He recounted meeting a veteran who, after years of isolation following deployment, regained his ability to be in public with the help of a service dog.

“These dogs are amazing,” Darling said. “The calmness of those dogs and their ability to read people and the empathy they provide is really invaluable.”

The $45,000 program was made possible through funding from Wounded Warriors and forms part of Port Coquitlam’s broader efforts to build resilience and support mental wellness within the fire service.

“This is about caring for the people who care for others,” Clarkson said. “Our firefighters face unique challenges on the front lines, and this program provides another tool to help them process those experiences in a healthy and supportive way.”