'Phoenix' Rising: Emergency Service Dog Earns Accreditation

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A canine that works for Westchester County has been quietly taking care of those who take care of us in our hours of greatest need. Now, "Phoenix" and his handler are earning national recognition for the countless hours of training that makes this Westchester County Department of Emergency Services therapy dog so good at helping the helpers.

Phoenix, a 4-year-old Lab mix assigned to the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services, recently achieved a prestigious designation as a certified First Responder Therapy Dog. Since joining the ranks in August 2022, Phoenix has helped to support the emotional health and wellness of the first responders in Westchester County who see the things most of us would rather not think about.

County Executive George Latimer congratulated Phoenix and his handler, Samantha Stretz-Fejes. He said the decision to obtain a therapy dog was in recognition of stresses and emotional challenges that first responders face on the job.

"Our firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers and dispatchers often see terrible things, or handle highly stressful incidents, in the course of their duties," Latimer said, recognizing the latest accomplishment of the dog and handler. "In addition to providing them with the training and equipment they need, it is equally imperative that we support their physical and emotional health however we can."

Phoenix and Stretz-Fejes, who are assigned to the EMS Division at Department of Emergency Services, are also members of the Westchester-Putnam Peer Support Team. That joint team is made up of police, firefighters and EMS responders. The team is often deployed to support first responders in the aftermath of a large-scale incident or tragedy.

Department of Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Susan Spear said Phoenix came to the department with the help of the SPCA Westchester. She thanked the staff at the Briarcliff Manor animal rescue shelter for helping the department select a canine with the right temperament and intelligence to succeed as a therapy dog.

The national certification is just the latest achievement for Phoenix and Stretz-Fejes. Last year, the American Kennel Club awarded Phoenix its Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award. The title is earned by a canine and its handler after they complete a rigorous 10-skill evaluation focused on obedience and handler development.

Phoenix and Stretz-Fejes also secured the AKC Novice Trick Dog title. The honor recognizes a canine's versatility and intelligence, requiring the completion of five unique "tricks," including giving a high-five, completing an agility tunnel pass, and completing a challenging "find it" task to locate a hidden item.

Phoenix and Stretz-Fejes were assessed, and successfully certified, by First Responder Therapy Dogs. The California-based organization advocates for the use of therapy dogs to support the mental health needs of first responders.

"First Responder Therapy Dogs offer a simple, effective, free mental health tool, emotional support from a trained therapy dog, without the stigma of asking for help," the organization says, noting that research shows measurable benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, slower breathing, and improved mood and mental state.