A therapy dog named Bear has been added to the Hopkinsville Fire Department’s team, aiming to provide emotional support for first responders and community members dealing with stressful or traumatic situations.
According to the Hopkinsville Fire Department, Bear will be handled by department Chaplain Nathan Miller and is expected to assist across multiple agencies in the county. His role includes offering comfort during post-incident debriefings, supporting personnel after difficult calls, and helping individuals cope in the aftermath of emergencies.
Officials say the program is designed to address the mental and emotional challenges that often accompany emergency response work. Bear was donated to the department by Freedom Service Dogs, a Colorado-based nonprofit that trains service animals for various support roles.
Department representatives say Bear’s presence is intended to provide a calming influence and reinforce the importance of mental health resources within emergency services.
