FFD receives second crisis response dog to mitigate stress

Published on April 06, 2026

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Fayetteville Firefighters will receive a second crisis response dog from paws4people® to help mitigate stress and anxiety, both at the fire station and at the scene of an emergency. 

LUCY, will join the department’s current Crisis Response Dog GRIFFITH, to support emergency responders by helping them decompress after tough calls, ease station tension, lower anxiety levels, reduce long-term PTSD impacts and boost overall heart health. 

GRIFFITH has assisted with the emotional well-being of firefighters, along with other first responders, and has been supporting members of the community. GRIFFITH joined the Fayetteville Fire Department in 2025.  

LUCY and her handler, Fayetteville Firefighter Spencer Rowell have over 50 hours of training and will be assigned to Fayetteville Fire Station 14 on B-shift. She will work at the fire station on her shift and go home with Firefighter Rowell when off duty. 

Paws4people® crisis response dogs are trained to work with first responders such as firefighters, police officers and EMTs. They are trained to ride in the vehicle with the first responder and to ease the distress of anyone affected by the trauma, including residents. 

LUCY will officially be a part of the team on Wednesday, April 8, when she is honored with her official Crisis Response Dog Vest during the vesting ceremony at 3 p.m. at Fayetteville Fire Station 14, located at 632 Langdon Street. There is an opportunity for the media to meet her during the vesting ceremony. 

A third crisis response dog is planned for later in 2026, which will provide support for each working shift.

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