A support group for First Responders has expanded to improve its support services.
Northwest Operations Manager for Boots on the Ground, Sharon Bak, says they can now offer in person peer support, group debriefs and even can provide a therapy dog.
“So its a pretty amazing time, all this came together within the last six months, based on a very generous donation by Valley Fire Protection Services and we were able to bring the training up here get it done quick.”
Timber is the therapy dog who is able to help first responders, nurses, correctional officers and even members of the military as a result of the training.
As well should Timber not be available or there be a larger event requiring extra help the St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Program is also able to lend support.
Timber and his handler Erika Smith (Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)
Jamie Davis is the Manager of the Therapy Dog Program for Boots on the Ground, he understands services like in person peer support and therapy dogs are much more accessible in Southern Ontario where Boots on the Ground originated as opposed to here in the Northwest.
“They’re further apart, in the GTA a lot of the resources and support that people maybe not just looking for through us or to be directed to aren’t as readily available.”
However, this expansion brings the Northwest closer to the amount of services available in Southern Ontario.
Additionally, Boots on the Ground has now opened up operations in Alberta.
File Photo
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