It’s the job of first responders to jump into action when we need help, but who steps in for them? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on those whose well-being is often neglected: people on the frontlines. For nearly five years, K9s For Warriors has been helping first responders get the support they need through a unique method: therapy dogs.
As part of our mission to save Veteran lives, K9s For Warriors also provides American Kennel Club-recognized therapy dogs to first responders at no financial cost. Station Dogs give first responders the comfort and unconditional love they need. They offer emotional support to officers, firefighters, dispatchers, victims and others exposed to trauma in the line of duty.
“First responder mental health is something that has largely been ignored until recently. For years, first responders were told, ‘it’s the job,’ or ‘you’ll get used to it,’ and were never given tools to help them cope with the things they endure daily, the trauma they witness, the random acts of violence they encounter and the stress that comes along with all of it,” said Greg Wells, Director of the Station Dog program, Army Veteran and K9s For Warriors graduate.
“Unfortunately, the weight of a badge is not just 3 ounces.
It’s a commitment to others and a lifetime of increased anxiety, stress and trauma. To be able to use our knowledge of how dogs help Veterans with PTSD to help a first responder process what they are seeing, feeling and encountering daily has been a game changer. To continue to serve others is one of the most rewarding things I could’ve done in my career at K9s For Warriors.”
The National Institutes of Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration say 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, like depression or PTSD, compared to 20% of the general population. According to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, 100 firefighter suicides happen per year in the US. At the same time, studies have found that police officers experience depression at nearly twice the rate of the general US population. There is truly a need for support in this often-traumatic line of work.
“These dogs from K9s For Warriors bring joy and comfort to public servants who often experience the darkest moments of the human experience,”
said Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters. “We are so grateful to K9s For Warriors for supporting this program, which supports our officers’ well-being.”
Station Dogs are made up of retired Service Dogs or dogs that weren’t quite cut out for Service Dog work. As of this writing, K9s For Warriors has placed 78 Station Dogs nationwide since 2020.
“Luke has made a significant impact on the mental health of officers and police personnel. It’s evident in the environment he creates, and the joy seen among officers,” said Deputy Chief of Police Steve Cifone of the Southbury Police Department. “I have personally watched officers come in from shifts and lie on the ground with Luke before leaving for the day.”
More than 13,000 firefighters work in the state of Connecticut, along with nearly 7,000 officers across 95 police departments.
“Lola greets everyone with sheer excitement and a toy in her mouth. Our crew looks forward to seeing her as we return from calls,” said Matthew Hebert of the West Hartford Fire Department.
“She’s become a welcome presence from the demanding pace and calamity that can ensue on duty. After traumatic events, her joyful disposition helps to lighten the mood."
Station Dogs can also be deployed to the scene when needed. Earlier this year, Station Dog Sheri at the City of Fairfax Police Department responded to the recent deadly plane crash near Reagan National Airport, helping first responders and air traffic controllers after the devastating incident. Team members appreciate that they can go see Sheri whenever they need some comfort.
“Sheri is a wonderful therapy dog for our department, especially in dispatch,” said a dispatcher at Fairfax Police about Station Dog Sheri. “There have been many occasions where I personally have had difficult calls. Sheri always seems to be near and allows us to give pets and hugs when we need her. She is the calm after the storm. She knows exactly when we are in need.”
It is important to note that Station Dogs are not diverted from any Warriors in the Service Dog program, and the departments receiving these Station Dogs are receiving them at no financial cost.
