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North Hays County Fire / Rescue is proud to welcome Nyx, a specially trained firehouse facility dog, as the newest member of the department. She got her badge at the annual ceremony on March 1, along with other members.
Nyx was trained and placed free of charge by Freedom Canines, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing highly skilled service and facility dogs. Nyx’s Freedom Canines’ Family, including her student trainer from Wimberley High School, attended the ceremony to celebrate her success.
Nyx will serve alongside her handler, Jeanine Southall, the Community Outreach Specialist for North Hays County Fire / Rescue. Together, they will bring fire safety education to schools and the community. Nyx has been trained to demonstrate essential fire safety skills such as stop, drop, and roll and crawling low under smoke, helping children and the public learn life-saving techniques in an engaging and memorable way.
Beyond her educational role, Nyx will provide comfort and stress relief to firefighters following difficult calls. Firefighters often face high-pressure and emotionally taxing situations, and Nyx will be there to offer unconditional support, companionship, and a calming presence in the firehouse. Whether she's snuggling up with a firefighter after a tough shift or eagerly engaging with the public, Nyx's presence is sure to bring smiles wherever she goes.
'We are incredibly grateful to have Nyx join our department,' said Chief Scott Collard. 'Nyx is already making a difference, not only in our firehouse but also in the community.'
Freedom Canines Executive Director Becky Kier said that placing Nyx with the department aligns perfectly with the group’s mission of “Pups Empowering People.”
“We are honored to see Nyx thrive in her new role, making a difference in the lives of both the firefighters and the people they serve,' Kier.
