Fayetteville Fire Department Adds Second Crisis Response Dog to Aid First Responders

The Fayetteville Fire Department got a second crisis response dog from paws4people. Lucy will help cut stress and worry among emergency workers. She'll work alongside Griffith, the department's first crisis response dog, supporting firefighters at stations and during emergencies.

These dogs help emergency workers unwind after tough calls, easing tension and anxiety. The risk of long-term PTSD shrinks, and heart health improves. Griffith came to the department in 2025 and has helped firefighters, other first responders, and people in the community feel better.

Lucy and her handler, Firefighter Spencer Rowell, finished more than 50 hours of training. The pair will work at Fire Station 14 on B-shift. Lucy will stay at the station during her shift, then go home with Rowell when off duty.

Paws4people trains crisis response dogs to work with first responders like firefighters, police officers, and EMTs. The dogs ride in vehicles with first responders and calm distress for anyone affected by trauma, including residents.

The department wants to add a third crisis response dog later in 2026, which will give support to each working shift.

Lucy will get her Crisis Response Dog Vest at a ceremony on Wednesday, April 8, at 3 p.m. Fire Station 14 sits at 632 Langdon Street. Media can meet Lucy at the vesting ceremony.