Georgetown Fire Department Educational Dog Publishes Children’s Book

GEORGETOWN, Texas – The Georgetown Fire Department is celebrating the release of a children’s book by a very special member of the team: Koda, the Educational Fire Department Dog.

“Seeing the book in my hands was a relief,” said Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Gilliam. “It was wonderful. I was so excited.”

After watching a Georgetown ISD elementary school class read to a dog, Gilliam decided to bring the dog to his class as part of his community service. He adopted Koda shortly thereafter.

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“She helps me break down some of the kids who sometimes have a hard time connecting with us,” Gilliam said. “She helps us educate them, and then we use her therapy throughout the community.”

With the help of Gilliam and an illustrator, Koda describes his adventures as a Georgetown fire dog in his own picture book.

“This will be my favorite because it’s Koda in a poppy costume,” said Morgan Smith, the book’s illustrator and Wag Heaven’s manager. “It’s something she actually wore.”

Smith aptly wove iconic Georgetown locations and events into the story of Codes.

“We just love the fact that it’s unique to Georgetown,” said Jeff Manley, co-owner of Wag Heaven. “It’s a great story and I think kids will enjoy it.”

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On Sunday afternoon, during the “signing of paws” at Wag Heaven, families brought their children to meet Koda and buy her a book.

“Koda came to his school, so he knew Koda, and he was excited when I showed him that Koda had written a book,” said Alisa Rose, who brought her son to the event. “He was really scared of dogs, so when Koda came to Lionheart, they introduced him to all the kids, and now he loves dogs.”

Each book costs $10 and all the money goes back to public education.

“We’re really excited about what it can offer the community,” Manley said. “What a great way to learn fire safety.”

Koda plans to publish more books that teach kids about 9/11 and stop the rolling and falling, but in this first chapter he wants to write everything.

“Just saying that Koda has joined the department and is teaching kids to dream big,” Gilliam said. “They can do whatever they want as long as they work hard and dream big.”

If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can purchase it at the fire station on DB Wood Road in Georgetown.

The book will also be available for checkout at the library and all Georgetown ISD elementary schools.