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New K-9 Billie offers comfort to Blue Ridge EMS Council first responders

First responders are constantly dealing with high-stress situations, and now several localities in the area have a new teammate to help them cope. The newest member of the team is a K-9 expected to change lives—one tail wag at a time. Two-year-old Billie is the first critical incident stress management K-9 for the Blue Ridge EMS Council.

“I think it’s going to be a huge asset,” said Mary Kathryn Allen, regional director for the Blue Ridge EMS Council.

Billie began her service on Jan. 13 at Campbell County Public Safety. She was specially trained to offer comfort and support during times of crisis.

Allen said, “First responders in our area are tough. And they do this job; they have a big heart, and they know their emotional recovery depends solely on being able to provide the best patient care. And so Billie’s just another step in making sure they are ready to take care of their patients.”

Billie was gifted to the Blue Ridge EMS Council by the Hero Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to providing specially trained K-9s to first responders and military veterans. The initiative aims to support local heroes.

“To me, this is critical to the mission because we are providing support to first responders that are inevitably helping every person that lives in the Central Virginia region,” said Allen.

Billie’s handler, Michelle Turner, noted that they have undergone extensive training to prepare Billie for any situation that may arise. “She can kind of pick up on their stress and she just provides comfort for them in any way she feels they need,” Turner said.

Just three weeks into her new role, Billie is already proving herself. However, her training doesn’t stop here. Next week, Billie and Michelle will continue their work to ensure Billie is ready for the most challenging moments first responders face.


About the Author
Kelly Marsh headshot

Kelly Marsh joined the team in July 2023.