Westchester Reporter

Phoenix, a 4-year-old Lab mix assigned to the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services (DES), recently achieved certification as a First Responder Therapy Dog. Since his acquisition in August 2022, Phoenix has supported the emotional health and wellness of first responders in Westchester County.

County Executive George Latimer congratulated Phoenix and his handler, Samantha Stretz-Fejes, on their recent accomplishment. He stated that the decision to obtain a therapy dog was made in recognition of the stresses and emotional challenges faced by first responders.

Latimer said: “Our firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers and dispatchers often see terrible things or handle highly stressful incidents in the course of their duties. 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 is assigned to the EMS Division at DES, are also members of the Westchester-Putnam Peer Support Team. This team—comprised of police, fire, and EMS personnel—is often deployed to support first responders following large-scale incidents or tragedies.

DES Deputy Commissioner Susan Spear noted that Phoenix was obtained through SPCA Westchester. She expressed gratitude to the staff at Briarcliff Manor animal rescue shelter for assisting DES in selecting a canine with the appropriate temperament and intelligence for therapy work.

The national certification is one among several achievements for Phoenix and Stretz-Fejes. Last year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) awarded Phoenix its Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award while recognizing Stretz-Fejes as an accomplished handler. The CGC title requires completing a rigorous 10-skill evaluation focused on obedience and handler development.

Additionally, Phoenix and Stretz-Fejes secured the AKC Novice Trick Dog title by completing five unique tricks such as giving a high-five, passing through an agility tunnel, and locating a hidden item.

With these accomplishments on their resume, Phoenix and Stretz-Fejes were assessed—and successfully certified—by First Responder Therapy Dogs. The California-based organization advocates for using therapy dogs to support first responders' mental health needs.

“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,” states the organization’s website. It highlights research showing measurable benefits including reduced stress and anxiety levels, lower blood pressure, slower breathing rates, improved mood, and better mental state.

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