Crisis Response Dogs

Fayetteville Fire Department Crisis Response Dogs!

The Fayetteville Fire Department’s Crisis Response Dogs support the emotional well‑being of our firefighters, staff, and community. Specially trained for high‑stress environments, these dogs provide comfort during and after traumatic incidents, assist with community outreach, and strengthen resilience across the department.

Whether visiting stations after difficult calls, attending major incident responses, or engaging with residents during public events, our Crisis Response Dogs help create moments of calm, connection, and healing. Their presence promotes mental wellness, supports our first responders, and reinforces our commitment to compassionate service throughout Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

Griffith

In July 2025, GRIFFITH was placed with Fayetteville Fire Department. He was the first Crisis Response Dog for the FFD. He is bred, trained and raised from paws4people out of Wilmington, NC. He has been a great addition to the department, staff, and citizens of the community. GRIFFITH's favorite things are long walks on the beach, marrow bones and daily naps. His calm, relaxed demeanor has worked well for cuddles, and play time to assist firemen with lowering anxiety and mitigating stressful situations and calls. Being his handler has presented an opportunity to bond and build a great team that the department members can call on at any time of need.

Lucy

Clover

Clover is so much more than a crisis response dog to me. She is my partner. She gets ready in the morning with me and knows it’s time to go to work. She’s excited for the day just as I am. Clover can sense when someone around us, is stressed, overwhelmed, or overstimulated and somehow knows exactly when she is needed. Around the fire department, she changes the entire atmosphere, boosts morale, and reminds us to slow down for a moment no matter how difficult the day has been. Clover only knows how to love, and she gives every bit of that love to the people around her. I may be her handler, but the truth is, she takes care of us just as much as I take care of her.