NSW bushfires: CFA crisis response dog Ember lifts morale at RFS in Sydney
The mood in the room changed instantly when the Country Fire Authority’s cutest recruit bounded into RFS headquarters in Sydney yesterday to deliver a much-needed morale boost to workers during the horror fire season.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Ember the Crisis Response Dog is putting the ‘aw’ in paw patrol.
The Country Fire Authority’s cutest recruit paid a special visit to RFS headquarters in Sydney yesterday to deliver cheeky grins, tail wags and a much-needed morale boost to RFS workers during the horror fire season.
Assistant Commissioner and State Operations Controller Rebel Talbert said the mood in the room “changed instantly” the second the four-year-old yellow labrador bounded in.
“It completely changed the atmosphere in the operations room, it was a really calm and joyful vibe,” Assistant Commissioner Talbert said.
“The work that we do at the RFS is very serious and very high pressure. People were smiling and excited that this gorgeous little pup was here, and she brought a nice and calm mood in what’s been a difficult fire season.”
RELATED NEWS
Bushfire relief: How you can help all those in need
‘We can’t cry forever … Come back to us, we need you’
Calls for food drops to animals cut off by bushfires
Ember’s handler, ex-RFS member and leading CFA firefighter Natalie Brindle is visiting Sydney, and brought her pawsome pet to the RFS to spread some joy in the state’s ruff times.
“She’s part of the CFA’s Animal Assistance Crisis Response, and a lot of the work we do is back at fire stations where the fireys defuse and debrief, they’re more willing to participate in peer support if she’s there,” Ms Brindle said.
“(Ember) loves wearing her uniform. She does hospital work and charity events as a therapy dog back home. There’s no scientific way to put it, but she just helps people.”
Despite no furry RFS members as of yet, Ms Talbert said that the organisation was “considering options” like service dogs to help volunteer firefighters debrief and cope with traumatic events.
Originally published as NSW bushfires: CFA crisis response dog Ember lifts morale at RFS in Sydney
Man killed in head-on crash in Sydney’s southwest
A man has died after two utes collided in Sydney’s southwest on Thursday morning. A man and boy were also injured in the collision.
‘Ute tax’ fears reignited over new car pollution cap
The Coalition has raised concerns new car pollution caps could drive up the cost of family and tradie-friendly SUVs and utes ahead of the Prime Minister’s crunch meetings with Asian leaders.