The Greensboro Fire Department has a new recruit – but this one has four legs rather than two, and also a tail and a mission to support firefighters’ mental health.
Thanks to a donation from the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, the Greensboro Firefighters Foundation has purchased a therapy canine that will be joining the department. The move is meant to bolster emotional resilience and promote mental well-being among the men and women who often face very tough situations.
“Firefighters experience some of life’s most stressful and traumatic moments,” Fire Chief Jim Robinson said. “The addition of our therapy canine provides a meaningful way to help our members decompress and take care of their mental and emotional health. We’re grateful to the Greensboro Firefighters Foundation for making this possible.”
The program is designed to do more than just provide psychological comfort at the firehouse. Clinical evidence shows therapy animals can lower stress, reduce anxiety and depression and even bring down blood pressure.
Firefighters are routinely called to car wrecks, medical emergencies and fires – scenes that can take a toll even on the toughest veterans. Department leaders say that having the dog around after those difficult calls will make a real difference.
The new canine will be part of the Greensboro Fire Department Therapy Canine Program, which aims to:
- Promote mental and emotional well-being for employees.
- Respond after potentially traumatic events to provide emotional support to firefighters and their families.
- Assist in improving morale across the department.
- Participate in official duties and community events as directed by the chief.
Greensboro Fire Department officials say the therapy dog won’t just stay inside the stations: Plans call for the canine to take part in public outreach programs, neighborhood events and other community engagements, giving residents a chance to meet the new team member. The idea is to build connections, reduce stigma around mental health and show the human – and canine – side of the fire service.
As for the dog’s name, that choice will be left up to the public. Greensboro residents can vote through the department’s social media pages, with the official name to be announced once the tally is complete.
The Greensboro Firefighters Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, purchased the therapy canine as part of its mission to enhance the well-being of Greensboro’s firefighters and strengthen community connections. The group’s work rests on three main pillars:
- Physical and Mental Health – providing resources and programs to promote firefighter wellness, including access to mental health support and recovery tools.
- Community Outreach – building meaningful relationships with the community through education, engagement and outreach.
- Recognition and Morale – honoring the service and bravery of Greensboro’s firefighters to promote pride and excellence.
Dr. Patricia Potter, president of the foundation, said the therapy dog program checks all three boxes.
“This program embodies all three of our Foundation’s pillars,” Potter said. “Our therapy canine will support firefighter wellness, help strengthen morale, and allow us to connect with the community in new and meaningful ways.”
The addition of a therapy canine reflects a growing trend among fire and police departments across the country – many of which are turning to four-legged friends as a way to tackle the mental health challenges of first responders. Local officials say Greensboro’s newest recruit will be a highly visible reminder that taking care of firefighters’ health is just as important as the emergency calls they answer.
The name of the female dog, pictured above, will be announced once voting is complete.
The Rhino Times was going to suggest “Sparky,” though apparently that name is already taken in fire dog circles.
Sparky is the only appropriate name. But I’m old.
Deborah Gregson
Formerly, The Fire Lady
Guilford County Fire Marshal’s Office
Millie, Emma, Sparkles, Daisy Mae, .
We’re all getting old, Ms. Gregson. So it should be Sparky. Or Sparks.
Dolley for Dolley Madison
Great idea!
Where are all these burning buildings they run in and out of every day 24/7, Just wondering?
Isn’t it true that 99% of all firefighters have never been to a serious fire or been in a life threatening situation?
Firefighters do more than fight fires. They are involved in fire prevention, education, help in medical emergencies, and volunteering to work in disaster areas such as in the NC mountains after Hurricane Helene. Many police officers have never been to a gun fight but we still need police officers, just as we need firefighters. They are not one- dimensional.
Hey term limits:
That job is so overrated it’s unreal!
Johnny R. If you Ever have a fire or an auto accident and need emergency help I truely hope no one shows up. So please never call 911
This is the most overrated job in America
How many hours are they paid to do nothing, it’s unbelievable. The media claims they run in and out of burning building all day long, really? Let me ask you, where are these burning buildings? I don’t see them anywhere do you? I see them grocery shopping because it’s someone’s turn to strap on the apron and oven mitts and cook for each other.
Okay, Johnny rust, your opinion about fire departments and fire fighters is duly noted. but what is your alternative? Do you think they are not needed so eliminate them? There will always be fires and medical emergencies. Should we rely on volunteers? Your description above suggests you have a personal animus toward fire departments and firemen.
Hey term,
I don’t have any bad feelings about any fireman. I just get sick and tired of the media playing this job up to be 10 times more than it really is. Very seldom do they ever go to a fire very seldom.
To hear the media say it, their life is on the line every day 24 seven, they never get a break, they never breathe a safe breath, they wouldn’t dream of it, it’s all BS man it’s all BS.
You can thank the terrorists hijackers from 9/11 for helping create the prevailing warm and fussy feelings about firefighters. There is no denying that the NY firefighters acted with courage and valor that warm and beautiful September morning.
I thought they were supposed to be so tough?
There were 2700 people who died in the buildings on that day, they were also trying to help people, we don’t hear near as much about them as we do the 343 firemen.
Their lives were just as important as the firefighters.
Their job on that day was just as dangerous as any firefighter.
A terrible day for America on that day, no doubt.
So sad.
i asked to join, change name to ‘montag’ & use ‘fahrenheit 451’ techniques.