Backing The Line

09/11/2026

Heroes…all. We remember.

07/28/2026

Congrats to Backing the Line Board of Directors Member Mark Stroud! Mark is now a Senior Firefighter for Chattanooga Fire!

07/11/2026

It’s a wrap for Backing the Line’s Chaplain-in-Training, Cali! 🐾💙

After four days of intensive training, Cali has officially earned her certification as a First Responder Trauma Support K9.

Throughout the week, Cali faced new environments, challenging scenarios, and situations designed to prepare her to comfort first responders and those impacted by crisis. She approached every obstacle with courage, determination, and the steady heart that makes a great crisis response dog.

Like any trainee, there was one memorable moment. On the final day, Cali spotted a group of dogs playing off leash and decided they looked like much more fun than finishing class. She took off—forgetting Mom was still holding the leash! Mom got an unexpected ride across the grass, thankfully without injury. Safe to say, “recall” has been added to Cali’s homework list. 😄

We couldn’t be more proud of this sweet girl. Every day she grows closer to fulfilling her mission of bringing comfort, hope, and healing to first responders and those experiencing trauma.

Welcome home, Cali. The real work is just beginning. 💙🐾

07/08/2026

Please stand with us in prayer. 🙏🏻

Please keep the family & the Smith County Sheriff’s Office in your prayers for their loss!
Rest easy brother. 🙏

06/16/2026

Had a great time with the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department for Taco Tuesday with Backing the Line! Chaplains Briggs and Arnold along with K9 Chaplain-in-Training Cali!

06/12/2026

From Backing the Line K9 Chaplain-in-Training Cali:

Today Mom and I joined Chaplain Betsey and Genoa for Nurse Paramedic Mass Casualty and Mass Shooter Training. It was pretty wild and even though we all knew it was pretend it was intense. Mom says I did great comforting people when they were scared. I didn’t even flinch at the all the gunfire. I think I’m gonna love this job. 💙❤️💛

05/31/2026

Chaplain Ruby and Chaplain Arnold of Backing the Line K9 were honored to take part in the Del Mar Fire Department’s Push-In Ceremony for their brand-new fire engine—and what a memorable day it was!

During the ceremony, Chaplain Arnold delivered the Invocation, asking for God’s blessing and protection over the firefighters, their service, and their new rig as they prepare for the many calls ahead.

It was a privilege to be included in such a meaningful tradition. Ruby, of course, was proud to represent the four-legged side of the team and reminded everyone that her work as a Crisis Response Canine continues—bringing comfort, support, and plenty of tail-wagging encouragement wherever it’s needed. One paw at a time, she’s helping make a difference! ❤️🐾🚒

05/29/2026

Say hello to our new addition to Team BtL! We are proud to introduce K9 Chaplain Cali!!! Cali passed both her Canine Good Citizen and Love on a Leash Evaluation today. She is a remarkable little dog. ❤️💙💛 Way to go Cali!!!

05/15/2026

🇺🇸 National Peace Officers Memorial
Day – May 15

Today we pause to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our communities.
From the streets of Dallas to small towns across America, these peace officers stood between us and chaos. They ran toward danger when most would run away. Their courage, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

To their families, friends, and brothers and sisters in blue: thank you. Your loved ones’ legacy lives on in every life they protected and every community they served.

🕊️ Let’s remember them not just today, but every day we enjoy the safety they helped secure.