The year is coming to a close in less than two days, but before it does, the Folsom Fire Department has one more farewell to bid as one of its longtime leaders is hanging up his badge after more than three decades of service. Mark Piacentini, a much-loved assistant chief with the department, is retiring, along with his four-legged partner, Blitz, the department’s first therapy dog.
“As one of the distinguished ‘Three Amigos,’ Assistant Chief Piacentini was fundamental in shaping our department into what it is today,” Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano shared with Folsom Times as he said farewell to the man who has been by his side for so long. “His dedication to teamwork, leadership, and commitment to emergency medical services has left a lasting impact.”
Piacentini’s career is a testament to unwavering commitment to public service. He began his journey as a first responder with Foothill Ambulance before joining the Folsom Fire Department five years later, where he has remained for the last 29 years.
As Cusano shared, Piacentini played a pivotal role in shaping the department into the respected agency it is today in one of the region’s fastest-growing cities. Known as “Piach” to most of his friends and colleagues, Piacentini has dedicated himself to teamwork, leadership, and the advancement of emergency medical services (EMS). His time in Folsom will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the Folsom community when it comes to public safety.
“The time goes by quick. I still remember my first shift,” said Piacentini as he reflected on his career to Folsom Times. “I did part of my paramedic training with Folsom Fire and knew this is where I wanted to be.”
For Piacentini, it wasn’t only the size of the department and its future growth that drew him; it was also the sense of family it boasts among its staff.
“There is a sense of family here. As a smaller department, we get to know each other,” he said. “You are not just an employee. We share in everyone’s celebrations and struggles together.”
Among Piacentini’s many accomplishments, one stands out as particularly transformative: the establishment of the department’s peer support team. Recognizing the unique mental health challenges faced by first responders, Piacentini spearheaded efforts to provide formal debriefing and support systems. “We see a lot of things, a lot of unpleasant things. When I started, we just ‘dealt with it,’” he recalled. “There was no formal way to address the mental health impact of what we experience. Then came Blitz, the department’s first therapy dog.”
Blitz, the first therapy dog placed in service for a fire department in the region, was brought on board in 2017 through a partnership with local nonprofit Hearts 4 Heroes USA. The initiative was a groundbreaking step in recognizing the profound benefits therapy dogs bring to reducing stress and anxiety for first responders. Blitz quickly became a source of comfort not only for department personnel but also for their families and the Folsom community.
Although his term has been much shorter than Piacentini’s, Blitz is retiring alongside Piacentini, who has been his dedicated handler since he was just a pup. Much like that of law enforcement K-9’s, it is common practice for therapy dogs to retire from service alongside their handlers.
“This celebration is also bittersweet as we bid farewell to Blitz, our beloved therapy dog,” added Cusano. “Blitz was the first therapy dog placed in service for a fire department in the region, a groundbreaking initiative led by Chief Piacentini. His vision and leadership brought Blitz into our ranks, where he became a source of comfort and support for our personnel, their families, and the community.”
Back in June of this year, Piacentini and his family suffered an incredible loss when his 17-year-old son Jerold died by suicide just days before his high school graduation. While the tragedy was deeply personal for Piacentini, it was a time when he experienced the Folsom Fire Department’s family nature and saw firsthand the importance of the program he played a key role in—one he intends to remain involved with moving forward.
“Little did I know when I started the program in 2017 that I would be one of the biggest users of our peer support when I lost my son to suicide,” said Piacentini, who plans to remain involved with the peer support program and Hearts 4 Heroes USA. “I will still be part of our peer support team with Blitz, and we will be working with Hearts 4 Heroes, so we will still be in town.”
As he clocks off from his title at the Folsom Fire Department, Piacentini will power ahead as the vice president of the Hearts 4 Heroes USA nonprofit organization as they continue to grow across the nation. He dedicates many hours to the organization, performing presentations, speaking engagements, media relations, and more, all while addressing mental health and wellness in the first responder community.
Founded by local residents Bruce and Shelley Martell, Hearts 4 Heroes USA is grateful for Piacentini’s past work with the organization and excited for his continued support ahead. As news of Piacentini’s retirement became public this past week, the Martells shared a heartfelt statement touching on the past, present, and future ahead for Piacentini.
“His incredible leadership and dedication to the fire community goes above and beyond. He was the first in the entire area to step up for his brothers and sisters on the front line in peer support to advocate for a partnership program, Hearts 4 Heroes USA Paw Platoon Placement, making Folsom the first to have a therapy dog for the department’s mental health and wellness,” Shelley Martell said. “He has been instrumental in growing this mission with passion, always showing up and helping to educate the public on the benefits these therapy dogs provide. He has led by example with dedication in hours of training and understands the importance of continued training.”
Just as Piacentini cited the “family” aspect present within the Folsom Fire Department, Martell touched on the same topic, crediting the entire Piacentini family for their support since the start of the program and looking ahead.
“We also want to acknowledge his entire family for their contribution and support to this cause. They have also helped train Blitz and often participate in events and causes to improve awareness,” she added. “We are truly one family, and we are so grateful for their continued support and lifelong friendship.”
While Piacentini and Blitz won’t be strangers to the department as they continue their time with the peer support program, the process of securing and training another therapy pup to fill Blitz’s full-time role is already underway by Hearts 4 Heroes. Meanwhile, the loving doodle will continue to be available as needed for the local department where he has made such an impact alongside Piacentini.
On Monday, members of the Folsom Fire Department family and members of city staff will take the time to celebrate Piacentini’s stellar career on his final day of full-time duty as they bid farewell to a leader and companion who have given so much to the department and the community with lasting contributions to public safety, mental health, and the spirit of community.
“The celebration is an opportunity to express our gratitude, share stories, and honor the impact Assistant Chief Piacentini—and Blitz—have had on our department, the Folsom community, and the fire service regionally,” Cusano shared.
Folsom Times/Hearts 4 Heroes photo.