Kate joined the department earlier this spring as the department's new therapy dog. Her job is to greet firefighters and guests at the fire station.

Right now, the pup is learning commands and acclimating to her new environment but will begin her therapy certification training once she hits a year old.

Kate provides a welcome distraction for firefighters who often find themselves in high-stress situations.

"The trauma we see weighs heavily on us and it is often hard to let it go. Kate being at the station helps us decompress and is a happy distraction to what we encounter," said Dennis White, President of the Argos Firemen's Inc., a volunteer group of firefighters who serve Argos.

Kate was purchased with private funding and donations given to the volunteer group. Her upkeep will also be funded by the group and community donations. Kate has her own space and gets regular exercise at the station.