Holtville Fire Department added a new ‘chief’ to their team

Fire Chief Alex Silva adopted a Dalmatian puppy to help bring emotional support to his crew. News 11's Vanessa Gongora had the chance to meet Chief.

HOLTVILLE, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - What is known to be a firehouse mascot has come to life in the Holtville Fire Department.

Fire Chief Alex Silva brought on a Dalmatian to the team who is now four months old.

Silva's daughter had wanted to get her dad a Dalmatian for years but Silva was hesitant.

It wasn't until there was a structure fire last December that Silva saw his crew attend to a stray dog and knew it was time to get a dog for the station.

Silva adopted the puppy two days before the Holtville Carrot Festival and was a hit in the parade. The kids couldn't get enough of him.

Silva wanted to name the puppy after certain firefighter tools that no one would understand, so his family thought "Chief" was very fitting because everyone can associate with it.

Silva said adding Chief to the team was a great decision to help his crew destress.

"My guys have been going through a lot in the last few years, very traumatic calls," Silva said.

A fellow employee passed away, a water rescue didn't make it and a year ago, they responded to the fatal Holtville crash where 13 migrants lost their lives and on top of that, covid.

Chief's purpose for the fire department is to be an emotional support dog.

"It's a good way for the guys to bond and they've loved him ever since he's came in," Silva said.

One firefighter, John Robles, is thankful for Chief.

"We work 48 hours so every time he brings him, it's a happy sight for me. He puts a smile on my face too," Robles said. 

Chief even has an affect on a young fire explorer, Bradyn Butler, who has been with the Holtville Fire Dept. for three years.

"Chief as a dog can help the people of the community see the good in their bad," said Butler.

Silva is also using Chief as an educational tool for children. He says because kids associate Dalmatians with the fire department, he's teaching Chief fire prevention tips.

"That's my goal, is to take him to the schools and do a stop, drop and roll or stop, drop and crawl out of the building," Silva said.

Schools are already requesting Chief's presence and the fire department hopes he'll bring light to the city.

"We do a lot of events out in the community and little Chief is going to be our little mascot for our department," Robles said.

Chief is only four months old but has already learned so much.

The Holtville Fire Dept. couldn't be happier with their new addition and hopes the community feels the same.