Waukegan first responders looking to comfort dogs for support; ‘It will help give them a lift when they need it'

Chicago Tribune

6 days ago

Emotional care for both first responders and the people who need their assistance is becoming more and more important and Macki, the Waukegan Fire Department's comfort dog, provides it for both firefighters after a challenging day and victims who need their help.
Officially joining the department on April 23, Beth Moss, a battalion chief with the fire department who is Macki's handler, said she will take the dog to community events like ribbon-cuttings and parades to let people know about the dog's role.
'A young girl was lining up sticks for her,' Moss said. 'Macki waited for a moment and let the girl know she was playing with him. It's a way to interact with the public in a positive way, not on a bad day for them.'
Fire Chief Gregg Paiser said firefighters and emergency medical technicians go on calls, which can be emotionally draining. When they return, Macki will be there, should they need a companion to help them relieve their stress.
'It's an important emotional support for the department,' Paiser said. 'It will help give them a lift when they need it. The dog makes it easier for them, and is there on a daily basis.'
Macki and Moss engaged with adults, children, and their families along the route of the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, waiting for the participants to approach.
Along the route before the parade, Macki engaged with the Kemp family from Waukegan. While a young daughter eagerly petted the dog, her younger brother got close and then backed away. Emmalee Kemp watched as her children interacted. She said she liked what she saw.
'We like going to community events,' Kemp said. 'It gives us a chance to do things in the community as a family.'
Moss waited with Macki on the sidewalk near Veterans Memorial Place while the Memorial Day Ceremony was ongoing. As people left after the event ended, Macki drew their attention as some of the onlookers engaged, including Mayor Sam Cunningham.
Cunningham said the use of comfort dogs and other mental health techniques is becoming more and more important. They can be useful in the Public Works Department and other areas of city operations, as well as fire and police.
'It allows people to relax their mental state and communicate better,' Cunningham said. 'It will help them to handle the situation. It will help them through difficult situations. The old days of (ignoring this) are gone.'
Now 2 years old, Macki began training as a comfort dog with Canines 4 Comfort when she was six months old. Moss said she went through some of the training with her as she prepped to be her handler. There is updated training every few months.
As her handler, Macki lives with Moss. She brings her to work with her each day, making the dog available should a need arise. Since the fire department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Paiser said if a firefighter or victim needs help, Moss and Macki are on their way.
'She comes on all of my calls with me,' Moss said. 'She'll come into the emergency room (at the hospital) to comfort a victim. I'll take her to schools so the kids can see her in a positive situation.'
The Waukegan Police Department also plans to bring a comfort dog on board. Deputy Chief Mike Mandro said police officials are on the waiting list with Canines 4 Comfort. No date is set for the dog's arrival. Meanwhile, Paiser said Macki is available to help.
Mandro said he foresees a variety of situations for a comfort dog. The dog will help with community outreach, helping officers after a challenging call, as well as crime victims. The Community Policing Unit can take the dog to community events. In the Community Assistance Group, where police officers and social workers join forces, the dog will be helpful, too.