By KAREN LAGRANGE COX
Photos by LARRY COX
Ember’s fifth birthday was celebrated with a party and cake today at Arceneaux Park in Broussard, Louisiana. Lemonade Day was also held at the park today.
Ember, the Dalmatian, is the mascot of the Broussard Fire Department (BFD). The Crowley Fire Department gave her to BFD in June 2024. At night, Ember resides with Firefighter Travis Romero and his family. During the day, Romero takes Ember to the fire station for work.
Dalmatians were once used to help keep horses in line, back in the days when horse-drawn carriages were used for fire departments.
Fire dogs like Ember are not trained for rescue, but they do help calm children; Dalmatians are protective, aiding in street clearance and equipment protection.
Ember participates in safety and training classes held at schools, daycares, and public events, especially those involving children.
