Riverview Fire and Rescue's Facility Dog Invited to Attend Prestigious K9 Academy in USA

RIVERVIEW (N.B.) - On Wednesday February 14th, Riverview Fire and Rescue and Canine Therapy for First Responders (CTFFR) announced that Lieutenant David Murray and K9 Tanker have been invited to attend the exclusive Franklin County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) Law Enforcement Therapy K9 School later this year. In June 2024, Tanker and Lt. Murray will travel to Columbus, OH to participate in extensive training alongside 12 agencies and their K9 companions.

"It's an honour to be invited to participate in this training - that a team from Riverview, New Brunswick has been recognized at this level," explained Chief Robin True. "Tanker is a vital part of our department and has played a tremendous role in our community engagement as well as public education surrounding fire prevention, in his short time with us so far. We are excited to have him and Lt. Murray embrace our values of dedication and professionalism in continuing their training with this opportunity."

The news was announced today at a fundraising event at Holy Whale Beer Hall where money raised will help CTFFR's therapy dogs across Atlantic Canada, including to help cover the investment associated with attending the training course. While this course is often exclusive to law enforcement organizations, Tanker was chosen for his potential to help even more people and organizations through this advanced program.

"The significant work Lt Murray and K9 Tanker have done within their department for morale and mental health aid, along with the extensive community presence has been a testimonial to the success of Riverview Fire and Rescue's Facility Dog program with Canine Therapy for First Responders," said Tracey Ryan with CTFFR. "They were chosen over many other teams in North America due to their outstanding impact on the community and their leadership in putting their training into practice. With this enhanced knowledge, they'll be able to expand their reach to working with other departments, in many intense scenarios, and we know that they will continue to do great things in Riverview and beyond."

The Facility Dog program is provided by Canine Therapy for First Responders Atlantic whose mission is to “introduce a K9 Therapy Dog program at no cost to aid in the mental health of First Responders”. The organization provides a lifetime support model – from procurement, to training, veterinary services, food, and support for handlers throughout their journey with the dog. This program requires no cost from first responders and is generously fully funded by the organization’s community sponsors, partnerships, private donations, and funding opportunities across Canada.

"We're excited to grow as a team and level up our skills this year," said primary handler and Riverview Fire and Rescue Lt. Dave Murray. "We're grateful for the opportunity and can't wait for Tanker to come home with enhanced ability to help more people in our community."

FCSO are award winning best in class providers of training & certifying K9’s working within Facilities across the USA with their program. This is the only class FCSO Therapy K9 is holding in 2024.

The Town of Riverview extends its congratulations to Lt. Murray and Tanker on this major milestone in the canine community, putting Riverview on the map with the most prestigious working K9s in North America.