By Lookout Staff

March 23, 2026 -- Roger, an English Labrador that became a member of the Santa Monica Fire Department (SMFD) last April to help firefighters combat stress, died Friday after a battle with cancer, City officials said.

Roger was the first certified support K-9 member of the newly launched team that provides "comfort, stability, and companionship to personnel during both daily operations and critical incidents."

Roger was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that affected his spinal cord, "resulting in a loss of motor function and increasing discomfort," City officials said.

"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, Roger was humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering, officials said, adding that over the past week, "members of the department spent time with Roger and said their goodbyes."

During his tenure, Roger played an important role supporting the mental wellness of department members, city employees and the Santa Monica community, "while also strengthening the department’s peer support efforts."

Roger visited fire stations, attended debriefings after critical incidents, interacted with the public at community events and was available to firefighters and city employees in need of emotional support.

“Being Roger’s handler has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my career,” said Captain Michael Rivera.

“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,” Rivera said.

According to City officials, the K-9 Peer Support Program helps foster a healthy and supportive work environment for firefighters, who face high levels of stress "due to the intense and often traumatic nature of their work."

SMFD has created the Roger Peer Support Memorial Fund to support future K-9 peer support dogs in the department. For more information click here.

"Roger’s time with the department was far too short, but the impact he made is lasting," City officials said. "The department honors his service, his role within the organization, and the lasting connection he built with those he served."