Orange County Fire Authority Adds New K9 to Its Ranks

Orange County Fire Authority K-9 "Pax" is introduced as the agency's first Peer Support Dog in Irvine, Calif., on April 10, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

IRVINE, Calif.—The curious 3-year-old golden Labrador—wearing a K-9 service vest—lovingly nudged journalists with his nose as local and county officials and Orange County Fire Authority staff announced April 10 the newest four-legged member of their team.

“Pax” will now assist the fire authority in responding to trauma incidents with his handler Firefighter Wade Munson.

“The addition of Pax and Firefighter Munson enhance an already robust array of services that our behavioral health and wellness programs already provides, and we are grateful,” said Chief Brian Fennessy.

Orange County Fire Authority Firefighter Wade Munson and K-9 "Pax" sit at the agency's headquarter in Irvine, Calif., on April 10, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

The lab has also been trained as a therapy dog for fire authority staff.

Cases involving Post Traumatic Stress Disorder amongst first responders have increased in recent years, officials said, affecting as many as one in five firefighters.

According to Munson, dogs have a natural ability to decrease stress.

Munson and Pax underwent extensive K-9 training for their new roles.

“Pax actually lives at home with me and we are available to our teams and community 24-7,” Munson told The Epoch Times.

Pax is the first support dog amongst the ranks of the fire authority.