Prioritizing the mental health of first responders matters, Butler’s new firehouse dog is one way to do so
First responders like Josh Shimko, whose story was featured on the front page of the Butler Eagle in two parts over two consecutive Sundays — June 1 and June 8 — know how the traumatic events they experience on the job can impact their lives.
For Shimko, the experience of responding to a suicide as a Cranberry Township police officer turned his world upside down. His nightmares grew to the point where he sought professional help and spent time away from his family due to his post-traumatic stress disorder.
Shimko isn’t alone in his experience.
According to the Institutes of Health, more than 80% of first responders experience traumatic events on the job, and resultingly, they are at a higher risk of developing PTSD.
It’s because of stories like Shimko’s that efforts to prioritize first responder mental health are so important.
The Butler Bureau of Fire is aiming to do this with Arlo — a new firehouse dog adopted by the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 114 from the Butler County Humane Society following the city of Butler’s approval late last week.
Arlo will serve as an “emotional support animal” for the department in an effort that encourages members to take care of their mental health, Sol McCormick reported in the Tuesday edition of the Eagle.
“Obviously, with the world of fire and EMS with (post-traumatic stress disorder), that’s a big thing,” firefighter Dean Selfridge said. “Our international (union) is trying to help mitigate that.”
Arlo is an approximately 1-year-old mixed breed that firefighters met at a YMCA event a few months ago. He will be trained to fill his new duty at the department.
The hope for Arlo is more than companionship for the firefighters though. The department anticipates more community engagement events with Arlo as the department’s face.
Worth noting is that Shimko decided to train a dog, Willow, to help him with his PTSD, too.
Plenty of reports indicate the benefits of service dogs for veterans. The same logically goes for first responders.
We look forward to seeing Arlo out and about in Butler, and applaud those working in the city and beyond to better prioritize the mental health of our first responders.
— TL
