The Malden Fire Department is set to launch an innovative fire prevention canine program during Fire Prevention Month this October, spearheaded by Fire Marshal John Centrone. This initiative will feature Ember, a trained and certified two-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd mix, who will serve as an ambassador for the department, enhancing community outreach and education efforts.

Ember, owned and handled by Centrone, is not only a registered therapy dog but also holds American Kennel Club (AKC) titles in Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine. Centrone has completed specialized training to become a certified therapy animal handler through Pet Partners, equipping Ember to demonstrate essential fire safety techniques such as \"stop, drop, and roll,\" crawling low in smoke, and the \"get out, stay out\" method.

Research indicates that animal-assisted education can significantly improve information retention by engaging audiences more effectively. The introduction of this program aims to broaden the department's reach, drawing larger crowds to promote fire safety while actively engaging the community.

In addition to its educational role, Ember will also serve as a mental health support tool for on-duty fire personnel, addressing the rising concerns of mental health issues and suicide among first responders. This initiative positions Malden Fire as the first department in the state to implement such a program, highlighting its commitment to both community safety and the well-being of its firefighters.

During the meeting, Centrone and Ember showcased their efforts and outlined plans for the upcoming Fire Prevention Month, emphasizing the program's dual focus on education and mental health support.