John McSwain has seen grown men get down on their knees to hug "Rocket." He has watched the therapy dog calm nervous people.

For good reason.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office canine provides the comfort they need.

"You need a little support, some unconditional love, Rocket is there," said McSwain, a KCSO chaplain.

McSwain and the Brittany Spaniel team up to support deputies, dispatchers and community members through encouragement and companionship. 

When Rocket enters a room, even in stressful, emotional situations, suddenly things seem better, McSwain said. It's then people can let their guard down, be themselves and speak from the heart.

"It's like coming home with him there," McSwain said. "It's like everything is going to be OK."

Rocket's work, again, has placed him in the spotlight.

He has been nominated for the First Responder Paws Award, hosted by FHE Health. This marks Rocket’s second nomination for the national award, which honors therapy dogs "who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of first responders and their communities," a press release said.

McSwain said Rocket is deserving of the honor.

"I think he's awesome," McSwain said.

Rocket's roles are many, including:

• Joining deputies for critical incident debriefs, providing calm and reassurance in high-stress situations.

• Visiting fire and EMS stations during long shifts or post-incident to boost morale.

• Spending time with children and families in hospitals and schools, bringing smiles and a sense of comfort.

• Participating in community events, wellness outreach and peer support programs across North Idaho.

His presence "is like a reset button after a tough call — he just makes the hard days a little easier," said one deputy.

"Even on the busiest shifts, Rocket reminds us why we do what we do, and why taking care of each other matters," a fire medic said. "When Rocket arrives, it’s like home has come to work."

Rocket earned Honorable Mention last year and has a chance to do even better this year but needs the community's support by voting at fherehab.com/first-responder-paws-award.

Voting opened Wednesday and closes Sept. 12. Finalists will be announced Sept. 15 and winners revealed Sept. 18.

Winners receive national recognition, a financial award to further their work and a donation to the First Responders Pack Foundation.

McSwain doesn't expect 3-year-old Rocket to win, but said that's not what counts, anyway.

"If he helps even one more person because of this nomination, that's what matters," he said.