The BHPD’s support K-9 Nami is being recognized as a source of comfort and joy for the community. (photo courtesy of BHPD)

Nami, the support K-9 of the Beverly Hills Police Department, has been nominated for the prestigious First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award. The annual recognition, hosted by FHE Health, honors therapy dogs who provide exceptional support to first responders and their communities. Public voting is open through Dec. 4.

Since joining BHPD in 2022, Nami has been a source of comfort and joy for both the department and the Beverly Hills community. Her name, an acronym for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, reflects her mission of bringing calm to stressful situations and connecting with those in need.

Nami’s role in the BHPD includes critical incident support, community engagement, literacy promotion and youth empowerment. Nami provides a comforting presence in times of crisis and completes 16 hours of support training each month. Recently, she offered invaluable support to first responders after a particularly challenging incident, helping them process their experiences. Whether at Coffee with a Cop or National Night Out, Nami strengthens bonds between BHPD and the community. Nami inspires children to read through Beverly Hills Public Library events like “Nami Storytime” and the upcoming “Winter Tails with Nami,” happening on Dec. 13. Nami has empowered young participants at the Beverly Hills Fire Department Girls Empowerment Camp and even served as a guest judge at the City of Acton’s Fourth of July Parade.

To vote, visit fherehab.com/first-responder-paws-award.