Omaha Fire Department’s latest member has paws its first support dog for firefighters [Video]

While Omaha Fire Department firefighters and others spoke at a press conference at the downtown fire station Thursday, Mochi patiently sat a few feet away.

The 3-year-old yellow Labrador retriever occasionally came up for treats and pets from his caretaker and handler in firefighter Josh Fry, but otherwise displayed a calming influence that will help provide emotional support for the firefighters who routinely handle stressful and tragic events.

Facility support dogs can, as Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman said, “lower one’s blood pressure and their heart rate.”

“They just have a calming effect. They can help reduce an individual’s stress hormone levels,” she said.

Mochi marks the …