Deco the canine lends a paw to the firefighters of Miami Seaside’s Hearth Division – NBC 6 South Florida

The Miami Beach Fire Department just got a furry new member, and he’s more than ready to support his team!

However, this likely ally will not be facing any fires.

Deco the dog is a 1-year-old Labrador/German shorthaired pointer mix and the department’s first-ever emotional support K-9, according to the Miami Beach Fire Department.

Miami Beach Fire Department

Miami Beach Fire Department

Deco the Dog

Deco was adopted from the Miami-Dade Animal Shelter at seven months old and began his journey to become the first dog to transition directly from shelter into the fire service.

“Mental wellness is just as essential as physical readiness in the fire service,” said Miami Beach Fire Chief Digna Abello.

“Deco plays a vital role in creating moments of comfort for our crews. He’s more than a dog — he’s part of our commitment to support the emotional well-being of every member of this department,” she added.

The Miami Beach Fire Department is proud to have Deco with his ability to “sniff out emotional gaps” and offer firefighters a moment to “open up about the stresses and challenges of the job.”