City of Santa Monica, CA
03/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/21/2026 11:56
Santa Monica announces retirement, passing of Fire Peer Support K-9 Roger
March 21, 2026 10:54 AM
SANTA MONICA, CA (March 21, 2026) - It is with deep sadness that the Santa Monica Fire Department announces the retirement and subsequent passing of Roger, the department's first-ever Peer Support K-9, due to his declining health.
Roger was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer affecting his spinal cord, resulting in a loss of motor function and increasing discomfort. Multiple veterinary specialists confirmed the illness had been progressing for several months before becoming evident.
Keeping Roger's comfort and dignity as the top priority, his veterinary care team, handler and the department made the difficult decision to officially retire him from service.
On Friday, March 20, Roger was humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering.
Roger served as the department's first Peer Support K-9, providing comfort, stability, and companionship to personnel during both daily operations and critical incidents. During his tenure, he played an important role in supporting the mental wellness of department members, city employees and the Santa Monica community, while also strengthening the department's peer support efforts.
This past week, members of the department spent time with Roger and said their goodbyes. The Santa Monica Fire Department extends its gratitude to the community and city officials who supported the Peer Support K-9 Program and recognized the value Roger brought to the organization.
"Being Roger's handler has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my career," Captain Michael Rivera said. "I had the opportunity to see firsthand the difference he made-not just in the big moments, but in the quiet ones when someone needed him the most. Thank you for trusting me, for standing by me, and for taking care of all of us in the way only you could."
Roger's time with the department was far too short, but the impact he made is lasting. The department honors his service, his role within the organization, and the lasting connection he built with those he served.
Roger's legacy will continue through the Roger Peer Support Memorial Fund that will support future K-9 peer support dogs in the department. Roger's Memorial Fund can be found here.
Media Contact
Cathy Taylor
Fire Prevention Coordinator
[email protected]
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City of Santa Monica, CA published this content on March 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 21, 2026 at 17:56 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]