SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (KGUN) — The final time the Sierra Vista Fire Department had a mascot was in 1974 and her title was Princess. Nearly 50 years later, the division has a brand new mascot and her title is Molly.
Molly is a 7-month-old Dalmatian puppy. She was adopted by one of many division captains, Brett Scheib, and his household simply over per week in the past. Now, Molly is adjusting to her new home — each out and in of the firehouse. Scheib stated, Molly does not keep at any of the firehouses attributable to security issues.
“She’s part of the family,” he said. “Our firetrucks are coming in and out of the stations constantly and we definitely want to make sure she’s comfortable, that she’s safe—being a puppy [that] she doesn’t get into things she’s not supposed to.”
Molly will not go on most calls, however Scheib says there could also be conditions during which she might be used as an emotional help animal for victims and workers throughout the division.
“How could you not just want to pet her and be comforted by a sweet little dog,” he stated.
Molly’s essential job shall be to go to occasions with the division and Scheib, to assist build connections between the division and the group.
“She’s a partner of the department and she’s just going to hopefully be able to spread joy and comfort to the rest of the community for us,” he stated.
Scheib stated he needed to call the puppy after somebody necessary to the division. After some analysis he and his household discovered the proper title.
“Molly is actually one of the first female firefighters that’s known, or at least on record that we were able to find, back in 1818,” he said. “Figured, well, she is one of our firefighters now so why not pay tribute and legacy to Ms. Molly Williams?”
Dalmatians have an extended historical past of working in firehouses and with hearth departments. Scheib stated it is good to assist carry a few of that historical past again to the division.
“The older fire trucks or fire engines they actually used to be horse-drawn,” he said. “And while the firefighters were gone working inside the house or structure, the Dalmatians would protect the equipment.”
As Molly turns into extra snug along with her new home, she shall be out and about in the neighborhood, prepared to satisfy new folks.
——-
Alexis Ramanjulu is a reporter in Cochise County for KGUN 9. She started her journalism profession reporting for the Herald/Review in Sierra Vista, which she additionally calls home. Share your story concepts with Alexis by emailing [email protected] or by connecting on Facebook.