Salute to Local Firefighters 2025

Our very own firehouse dogs

Pierce and River, B-list celebrities

By Racquel Muncy Staff Reporter

LYNDEN — Fire stations have a long history of having a firehouse dog, typically a dalmatian, due to their bond with horses and natural endurance.

Dating back to the 17th century, the dogs would clear the path and calm the horses used in a horsedrawn fire engine on the way to a fire.

According to the American Kennel Club, the dogs would act like sirens and park ahead of the fire engine. While the firemen worked, the dalmatians would then guard the horses and equipment to ensure that nothing was stolen.

While no longer an essential part of a fire department, having a mascot fire pup has become popular.

Locally, two dogs have become B-list celebrities for their contributions to their departments and communities.

Pierce

Lieutenant Sheena Radder of Whatcom County Fire District No. 1 took in Pierce, a dalmatian, at 1-year-old.

Now at the ripe age of 4, Pierce is a staple at the firehouse who garners attention and plenty of pets with each visit.

Radder said Pierce comes to the fire academy, East Whatcom EMT training, various meetings and workshops.

“She has been a really big hit with the new recruits and incoming firefighters,” she said. “She’s just wondering how she got so many people to pet her.”

Pierce has the calm temperament needed to belong at the firehouse and provides a therapeutic effect to anyone having a bad day, although Radder has found that Pierce is not fond of bagpipes, which are commonplace in department celebrations.

River has been a constant for Lynden Fire Chief Mike Noonan and for the community at large, as she is often the first to be greeted. Even before Chief. (Racquel Muncy/ Lynden Tribune)

Pierce has become a bit of a B-list celebrity as she is a friendly face after a hard call, during a long meeting or just out in the community for a stroll.

“She has been a really big hit with the new recruits and incoming firefighters,” Radder said.

“She’s just wondering how she got so many people to pet her.”

(Photos courtesy Sheena Radder)

“Everything else has been really well,” she said.

Pierce is known to seek out those who need a little extra support that day, whether it is someone coming back from a hard call or just having a poor start to their day,

“It can be a really heavy job,” Radder said. “She gives that break.”

Pierce isn’t all work, though, and is known to be a big fan of treats and has a smile that can light up the room. She has a spot on her nose that makes it look like a heart, showing how full of love she is, and a big dipper star constellation on her back.

“She brings a lot of fun to the environment,” Radder said. “It’s hard to see a dog and not smile.”

River

While not a typical firehouse dog, River, Lynden Fire Chief Mike Noonan’s service dog, is also a bit of a celebrity around town.

“People greet the dog and then the chief,” Noonan said with a smile. “Everyone loves to see her in the morning ... I’m more than glad to share her.”

Three years ago, Noonan began to look for a service dog. He actually had a different dog trained, but it was too high-energy. Another dog being trained spotted a cat and wanted to run off.

“That was strike two on a service dog,” he said.

A friend of his saw River in a cage at the shelter. She was scrawny, missing hair and wanted nothing to do with Noonan. But his wife liked River, so the next day they returned to rescue her.

River had a natural calming ability and was smart, too. It only took about 18 months to get her trained to fit Noonan’s needs.

“We have been completely inseparable ever since,” Noonan said.

River is trained in behavioral interruption, so when Noonan is getting stressed, she may lie on his lap. She may also orbit Noonan to give him a buffer from everyone else.

While her priority is Noonan, River has been known to also cling to people after they return from traumatic calls. However, for people on the street, he emphasized the importance of asking to pet River. After all, she is on the job.

Noonan said he most enjoys River’s loyalty and the two have become incredibly bonded.

“She’s almost neurotic if I leave the house (without her),” he said.

After a long day on the job, River likes to come out and play with Mimi, a golden doodle Noonan refers to as “River’s service animal.”

“She recharges her batteries that way,” he said.

-- Contact Racquel Muncy at racquel@lyndentribune.com