Cañon City Fire receives new emotional support member

(CAÑON CITY, Colo.) — The Cañon City Area Fire Protection District is welcoming a new furry member to the fire crew team.

On Friday, July 19, the fire district announced the addition of Nova, a 1-year-old Bernedoodle — a Bernese Mountain Dog and Poddle Mix — who has been trained to work with the Peer Support Team.

The Peer Support Program for the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District is based on a model of firefighters helping firefighters, they are there to assist first responders navigate stress. Individuals involved in firefighting are exposed to a much higher number of traumatic incidents than the general public, but they also have the same stressors that other careers bring.

Nova is trained to recognize people who have either an elevated or diminished nervous system response related to stress or anxiety. She received extensive training from the Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project located in Utah.

The 1-year-old Bernedoodle has two handlers, Lt. Kevin Evans and Executive Assistant Beth Evans, a husband and a wife duo both employed by the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District. Nova will come to the fire station with Lt. Evans and stay for the 24-hour shift.

Nova is trained to go to her kennel when a call for service comes in. She does not ride in the fire truck.

Nova was donated to the fire district by Joey and Sandy Esposito. The Esposito’s have donated over 60 service dogs to first responders, veterans, and people in need.

The fire district said Nova would be “an amazing resource” for the team.

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