VIDEO/PHOTOS: The Georgetown Fire Department is celebrating the release of a children’s book, written by a very special team member: Koda, the department's education dog.
"To see the book actually in my hands was just so relieving," said deputy fire marshal Jonathan Gilliam. "It was wonderful. I was so excited." After watching a Georgetown ISD elementary class read to a dog, Gilliam decided he wanted to bring a dog to his public outreach jobs. Shortly after, he adopted Koda.
"She helps me break down some children that sometimes have difficulties approaching us," said Gilliam. "She helps us educate them, and then we use her for therapy throughout the community." With the help of Gilliam and an illustrator, Koda lays out her adventures as Georgetown’s fire dog in her picture book.