Georgetown Celebrates Koda, the Fire Department’s Education Dog
In the heart of Georgetown, Texas, a very special celebration took place as the local fire department honored one of its unique team members. Koda, the department’s beloved education dog, has just released her very own children’s book, and the excitement was palpable!
Creating a Connection with Kids
This delightful initiative began when Deputy Fire Marshal Jonathan Gilliam noticed how effective reading to a dog could be for children at a Georgetown ISD elementary school. Students often found it easier to connect with their furry friends than with adults. Inspired by this, Gilliam decided to adopt Koda and integrate her into community outreach efforts.
“To see the book actually in my hands was just so relieving,” said Gilliam with a gleeful smile. “It was wonderful. I was so excited.” Koda has been instrumental in helping children who might be hesitant to approach firefighters, easing their fears and making fire safety education fun.
A Unique Story Illustrated
With the help of Morgan Smith, an illustrator and manager at Wag Heaven, Koda’s adventurous tales as Georgetown’s fire dog are now captured in a picture book. “This one is going to be my favorite because it’s got Koda with the poppy costume in it,” said Smith. This playful canine wears her vibrant costume to help teach kids about fire safety, making lessons engaging and memorable.
What makes this book especially exciting is the inclusion of iconic Georgetown landmarks and events throughout the illustrations. As Jeff Manley, co-owner of Wag Heaven, put it, “We just love the fact that it’s a uniquely Georgetown product. It’s a wonderful story and I think that kids will enjoy it.” The combination of local charm and engaging storytelling is sure to captivate young readers.
Community Event and Paw-signing
This past Sunday, families gathered at Wag Heaven for a special event dubbed the “paw-signing.” Children were thrilled to meet Koda in person and get their copies of her book signed, creating a wonderful buzz of excitement. Alisa Rose, who attended the event with her son, shared an uplifting story: “Koda came to his school, and so he’s known Koda and he was excited when I showed him that Koda wrote a book.” She mentioned how Koda had helped her son overcome his fear of dogs, turning a moment of anxiety into joy and inspiration.
Giving Back to Education
Each copy of Koda’s book is priced at a charming $10, with all proceeds going directly back into public education. “We’re really excited about what she’s able to offer the community,” Manley mentioned, highlighting how Koda’s work not only promotes literacy and learning but also teaches essential life skills like fire safety.
Future Adventures Await
Looking forward, Koda has plans to release additional books focused on important safety topics like dialing 911 and the “stop, drop, and roll” technique. “Just talking about Koda joining the department and teaching children to dream big,” Gilliam shared. “They can do anything they want as long as they work hard and dream big.” This encouraging message resonates deeply, inspiring children to pursue their dreams with determination.
Where to Find Koda’s Book
If you’re curious to join in on the adventures of Koda, you can purchase her book at the fire administration building located on DB Wood Road in Georgetown. Additionally, it will be available for checkout at the library and all Georgetown ISD elementary schools, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the stories and lessons that come with them.
As Georgetown celebrates Koda’s efforts in education and community safety, it’s clear that there’s a lot more to look forward to. From delightful stories to important lessons, Koda is truly a treasure for the city, reminding everyone that teamwork and creativity make for a brighter future!
