Fire Marshal John Centrone and K9 Ember
The Mauldin Fire Department is piloting a new fire prevention K9 program starting this October, which is Fire Prevention Month, that will help to better educate the public while providing support to on-duty fire personnel. Led by Fire Marshal John Centrone, the program utilizes a trained and certified K9 named Ember as an ambassador for the department, a community outreach and education tool, and a therapy dog for on-duty personnel. MFD will be the first fire department in the state to implement a program of this kind.
“We believe it’s important to be progressive and make sure our fire prevention program is doing the very best it can to not only prevent fires but to arm the general public with lifesaving knowledge if they ever encounter a fire,” Fire Marshal Centrone said. “Studies have shown that utilizing an animal to assist in education increases attention span and helps audiences retain critical information. We hope no one ever has to use these fire safety techniques, but in the event they do, seeing a dog perform these techniques will ensure they stay imprinted in their minds.”
Ember, a two-year-old German Shepherd mix, will assist the fire prevention division as a visual aide to demonstrate techniques such as “stop, drop and roll,” “crawling low in smoke” and proper “get out/stay out” techniques. Ember will also routinely visit the various fire stations within the City to increase the general morale and mental health of firefighters on shift and to serve as an active de-stressing tool after major incidents.
“With mental health issues and suicide on the rise, specifically among first responders, this is a great and cost-effective way to make sure our firefighters receive the support they need,” Fire Marshal Centrone said. “The general well-being and mental health of the responders must always be of the utmost importance.”
Ember and Fire Marshal Centrone have completed more than 400 hours of documented training combined over the last two years. Ember has successfully completed puppy, basic and advanced obedience training through Complete K-9 Training Services, and she holds the American Kennel Club community canine certification, which is the highest in its class for any working dog. Ember is also a registered therapy dog and Fire Marshal Centrone has successfully completed the therapy animal handler course.
“We’re excited for the new pilot program and to see how effective it will be for children, citizens and staff,” Fire Chief Brian McHone said. “Ember will help the Mauldin Fire Department to reach a larger audience with our fire safety message while actively engaging in the community that we serve. I believe this program will make a true difference not only for the people we protect in this community, but for our employees as well.”
In 2023, the Mauldin Fire Department completed 121 fire safety events. So far in 2024, the department has completed close to 80 events, with many more scheduled for this month.
Ember made her first public appearance on Friday, Sept. 20 during a fire safety talk for the YMCA’s RECESS (Recreation, Education, Community, Exercise, Social and Service) program, where she demonstrated various fire safety techniques.
“We are very excited to be the first fire department in the state to implement a fire prevention K-9 program,” Council Member and Public Safety Committee Chair Carol King said. “We believe that Ember will be a beneficial tool to educate and engage our community on fire safety and fire prevention. We welcome Ember as our Fire Ambassador for the City of Mauldin, and we’re looking forward to watching her work within our community.”
To schedule a fire safety event with the Mauldin Fire Department, email lcrawley@mauldinfire.com.
