Meet Taco: Florida Fire Rescue Welcomes First Therapy Dog to its Ranks

Photo by Flagler County Fire Rescue | Facebook

There’s no better way for Flagler County Fire Rescue (FCFR) to embrace the holidays than with a pint-sized, or Taco-sized, therapy dog to be its ambassador for public outreach events — as well as to provide crucial comfort and support to those who need it most during traumatic events or circumstances, a press release from FCFR states.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Taco and his human, Community Paramedic Rob Errett, took all the steps to be ready when duty calls, and the call oficially came on Wednesday December 11, 2024.

The pair are recent graduates of the Paws and Stripes College — a program created in 2006 by Brevard County Sheriff's Office — that teaches handlers and their K-9 companions to provide essential emotional support to those in stressful situations, whether to first responders themselves or those in the community they serve.

“The usage of therapy dogs within emergency services is a growing trend to ensure the mental health of our citizens and our first responders,” said Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker. “While Flagler County is not the first to implement this type of program, we will certainly help raise the bar for other emergency services providers to reach.”

When Tucker approached Errett with the idea of turning his pet into a therapy dog, the decision was easy to make.

“I went home and discussed it with my wife,” Errett said. “We decided that we wanted to do it. We thought it would be nothing but a terrific benefit for our team (Flagler County Fire Rescue) and our residents.”

Errett and Taco promptly enrolled into the Paws and Stripes College – a free program offered by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. The program is an AKC recognized Therapy Dog Organization that partners with the University of Central Florida Veterans Academic Resource Center and Space Coast Therapy Dogs.

“Taco is a rock star. He was already very well trained. He always makes me look good,” Errett said. “I was a little worried about my own abilities.”
​
A post shared to the Flagler County Fire Rescue Facebook page features photos of Taco donning his new vest as he toured the area to introduce himself and his services to the community.

Officially, the team of Errett and Taco are members of the Flagler County Fire Rescue Peer Support Team and the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team.

“This is immediate, but Taco won’t come to work every day,” says Errett. “If the need arises, I can go home and get him. I live within 10 minutes (of the Government Services Complex).”

Errett expressed pride in having his furry friend be the first therapy dog for FCFR.

“Anything I can do with Taco and our training to help Flagler County Fire Rescue, I’m there,” Errett said. “All I want to do is to ease everyone’s burden. Flagler County is taking the mental health aspect of its employees and residents head-on. It is something to be reckoned with.”

For more announcements across Flagler County regarding community services, local government departments, initiatives, emergency alerts, and more, visit FlaglerCounty.gov.
​
Article by Rachael Volpe