Miami Beach Fire Department Welcomes 4-Legged Friend To Support Crew's Mental Health

Meet Deco. This 1-year-old Labrador and German shorthaired pointer mix is the newest recruit at the Miami Beach Fire Department, where he will be the department's inaugural emotional support K-9.

Deco's story began at the Miami-Dade Animal Shelter, where he spent his early months waiting for the right family. At just 7 months old, he found his calling with the Fire Department.

"We recognize that caring for our community's physical safety also means caring for our team's emotional well-being," Fire Chief Digna Abello explained. "Deco isn't just our newest team member — he's our investment in making sure our firefighters have the support they need, both on and off duty."

The young dog won't be charging into burning buildings. Instead, his mission will focus on providing comfort and stress relief to firefighters during their downtime at the station.