COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Rocket, a beloved Brittany Spaniel, has been nominated for the First Responder Paws Award for the second time, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced.
The award, hosted by FHE Health, honors therapy dogs who make a significant impact on first responders and their communities.
Rocket works with the KCSO chaplain to support deputies, dispatchers and community members. His duties include joining critical incident debriefs, visiting fire and EMS stations and spending time with children in hospitals and schools.
A local deputy shared, “Rocket’s presence is like a reset button after a tough call—he just makes the hard days a little easier.”
A fire medic added, “Even on the busiest shifts, Rocket reminds us why we do what we do.”
Rocket received an Honorable Mention in 2024 and continues to be a cherished figure in the community.
Public voting for the award opens on September 3 and closes on September 12.
Finalists will be announced on September 15, 2025, with the winner revealed on September 18, 2025.
Supporters can cast their votes for Rocket at First Responder Paws Award.
Voting is limited to one vote per email address.
