KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho – A special, four-legged member of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Rocket, is being celebrated for his comforting presence during difficult moments. Rocket received the “Kindness 9-1-1 Citation” in recognition of his impact on first responders and the community.

Rocket’s handler, Chaplain John McSwain, shared how Rocket’s presence eases anxiety during debriefings.

“We walked in, filled with anxiety, to a room, and there’s Rocket, and we realized that home had arrived at our debrief,” McSwain said.

Rocket has been a consistent support for the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, especially after crisis events. McSwain described Rocket’s instincts in comforting individuals.

“There are times when he’ll walk into a room, there’ll be three or four people there, but

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