Anaheim council approves peer‑support canine program for firefighters; start‑up funded from department discretionary dollars

The Anaheim City Council approved a letter of understanding on April 7 to create a peer‑support canine program for Anaheim Fire & Rescue employees represented by the Anaheim Firefighters Association Local 2899.

Program details and cost: Fire leadership described the program as an addition to existing mental‑health resources (chaplains, clinician on‑call services and internal peer‑support teams). The fire chief said the initial start‑up cost—approximately $9,517 annually for one canine including handler time, supplies and training—will be covered out of the department’s discretionary budget for the current fiscal year and no additional appropriation was required for FY2025–26.

Training and operations: Staff said handlers must complete certification training (a minimum of 24 hours per year) and that additional hours would be scheduled as needed; battalion chief Pat Burton will lead day‑to‑day operations and logging of calls for the canine. Policies and procedures—including housing, handler duties and confidentiality—were being finalized with risk management and labor representatives at the time of the meeting.

Council action and oversight: Council approved the LOU by resolution but removed a proposed budget enhancement from the motion so that the start‑up would not require a mid‑year appropriation. Councilmembers said they support the program as a tool to address documented mental‑health risks among firefighters and asked staff to report back on costs, utilization and any overtime impacts if the program expands.