Meet Lambeau | Reno Fire Department's First Facility Dog Supporting First Responders

In this heartwarming community segment of 2 Plus You Nevada, host Sarah Johns welcomes Katie Nelson of the Reno Fire Department along with Lambeau, Northern Nevada's first facility dog dedicated to supporting firefighters and first responders through peer support and mental wellness.

Katie explains how Lambeau helps crews decompress after stressful calls, why mental health is just as important as physical health, and how this groundbreaking program is strengthening the well-being of those who serve our community every day.

🚨 Segment Highlights:

🐾 Meet Lambeau: Reno Fire Department's First Facility Dog

• Northern Nevada's first facility dog dedicated to supporting firefighters

• Helps improve morale and emotional wellness throughout the department

• A new resource focused on first responder mental health

❤️ Supporting Firefighters After Traumatic Calls

• Lambeau provides comfort following stressful and traumatic incidents

• Research shows interacting with dogs can help reduce stress levels

• Peer support helps first responders process difficult experiences

🧠 Mental Health Matters for First Responders

• Emotional wellness is recognized as a critical part of firefighter health

• Facility dogs create opportunities for conversation and healing

• Supporting those who dedicate their lives to protecting the community

🤝 How Lambeau Joined the Reno Fire Department

• Carefully matched through Assistance Dogs of the West

• Katie Nelson completed specialized handler certification

• Extensive training prepared Lambeau for his unique role

🚒 Visiting Fire Stations Throughout Reno

• Lambeau regularly visits fire stations across the city

• Helps strengthen morale even outside of emergency responses

• Building relationships with firefighters before critical incidents occur

🏡 Life Outside the Fire Department

• Lambeau lives with his handler and quickly became part of the family

• Continues training both at home and on the job

• Program may expand as the department grows

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