Today, members of the CPFD assisted the Guide Dog Foundation of UMD with familiarization of first responders.  These dogs are being trained to assist the blind as guide dogs.  They are currently being cared for by University of Maryland students until they finish specialty training in New York.

Approx 20 guide dogs and their handlers were in attendance to familiarize, and socialize themselves with firefighters. This included Firemen in full PPE, including breathing air on SCBA.  Furthermore, they interacted with the fire and EMS apparatus to become familiar with the sounds and lights.  Finally, they interacted with SCBA with PASS alarm activation and Vib-alert.  This training is put on to allow the dogs to become acquainted with first responders in the event of an emergency when they are fully trained as guide dogs.

For more info on guide dogs, visit the Guide Dog Foundation

If you’re interested in joining the CPFD, be sure to reach out to the membership committee here, or visit the station for more information.