2nd Annual First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award

A great big congratulations to Officer Kora and her handler, Senior Police Officer Debbie LeCroy, in Asheville, North Carolina, for winning the 2024 First Responder Paws Award! After roughly 8,500 people voted for their favorite therapy dog, Officer Kora won the popular vote with a sizeable lead.

Officer Kora, a Goldendoodle rescue, is the first certified therapy dog to serve the Asheville Police Department and surrounding area. She embarked on her law enforcement career three and a half years ago, following certification with the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA Region II NC, SC and GA). In the years since, she has come to serve as a beacon of hope and compassion for both first responders and the community she serves.

When Hurricane Helene hit Asheville and western North Carolina on September 27, leaving a catastrophic trail of death and destruction in its wake, Officers Kora and LeCroy were on the frontlines of the relief and recovery efforts from the very beginning. You can catch more of that story next week in our feature blog about the pair — and, find out how Kora has been able to use her special training to provide comfort to those who need it.

Officer Kora of the Asheville Police Department

Honorable Mention: Rocket

We want to give special recognition to Rocket and his handler, John McSwain, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for their tremendous success in publicizing this contest and raising local and national awareness about the cause of therapy dogs for first responders. Their team made sure that every newspaper and station in Idaho knew about the great work that Rocket is doing! In the process, they generated more news coverage than any contestant in the history of this contest. Thank you for your amazing work with first responders and the positive difference that you are making in your community! We are grateful to be able to amplify it.

In Memory of: Tilly

We also remember Tilly, the first K9 auxiliary therapy dog to serve the Peachtree City Police Department in Georgia, who passed away in late September while doing what she loved best — working with children with special needs. We are thankful for the legacy of care that she leaves as a beloved therapy dog.

Congratulations to all of our Finalists!

Click Here to See the (10) 2024 First Responder Finalists!

Our Winner will be Announced Friday, December 13th

Meet All of our 2024 Contestants!

See Full Contestant Bios:

Bogey

I’m a 4-year-old Blue Heeler mix, and my story began at the animal shelter in Gainesville, Florida, from where I was rescued in support of the K9s for Warriors program
Am stationed at the North Miami Police Department, providing support to officers, staff, and visitors, and am a peer support member, comforting officers after traumatic events
Was a Top 5 runner-up for the American Humane Hero Dog Therapy Canine category and have earned numerous certifications
Provide many services to my community such as mental health aid to students at local schools and children with autism, a calming presence to victims of crimes, and comfort to patients and staff at hospitals and residents at nursing homes

Bree

I’ve been serving my Michigan community since I was 14 months
Provide emotional support to 8 first responder entities, from police and fire departments to ambulance services and the U.S. Coast Guard
Comfort patients in the ER at Mott Children’s Hospital; attend special events at the University of Michigan to help students de-stress; as a Red Cross therapy dog, visit vets at the local VA hospital; and bring smiles to anxious travelers at the Detroit Metro Airport, through its pet therapy program
Have earned awards and been featured on the news for my impact in the community

Boo

My little sister Charlie and I work together as a tandem therapy dog team serving the Ada County Coroner’s Office
For more than 5 years, have been providing daily support to staff as they conduct death investigations, victim identifications, and autopsies, and resource greater Ada County, including 911 Dispatch, the Victim Services Center, Courthouse, regional fire camps during wildfire season, and vets, students, and other populations
Am a dedicated member of Go Team Therapy and Crisis Dogs
Am known as “the Little Prince” for my compassionate, gentle, and tender personality

Chase

My partner and I were sworn in in 2019 as the first police K9 team serving the Akron Children’s Police Department, which provides security to hospitals; because of our success as a team, the unit has expanded to include 5 K9 teams
Visit kids and their parents in the hospital, offering comfort and support, and often respond to traumas in the ER
During COVID, my presence brought a sense of normalcy and joy to isolated patients and over-worked staff and revealed just how important this work is
Yep, am named for Paw Patrol, because my donor family were fans of the show

Dabney:

I was raised as a service dog from the age of 8 weeks and learned over 30 commands, but didn’t make it through advance training because I love people too much
Since getting certified with Alliance of Therapy Dogs, have given comfort to children and older adults in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and in-home visits
Am starting a gig with the Chandler Police Department, where I’ll be working between shifts to comfort officers who have had a troubling shift
Especially love being with kids and teaching them about doggie care with my Power Point presentation “A Day in the Life of Dabney”

Deputy Dally:

I’ve been working 4.5 years as a Therapy K-9 for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, where am on call for the Victim/Witness advocates, provide comfort to our staff and deputies in times of stress, and work in the community, teaching crime prevention through 80 different programs
My first case involved the kidnapping of two young kids; after the vehicle they were in was apprehended, I was called in to be a comforting presence until their mother arrived
Was proclaimed “Hometown Hero” by the Minor League Swamp Rabbit Hockey Team
Am a 7-year-old Golden Doodle

Hunter Shores:

I’m a Goldendoodle (about to turn 5-years-old!) and was donated to Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety in 2021 after one of our detectives tragically lost his life on Christmas Day 2020
The first responders I serve are triple trained as firefighters, law enforcement, and EMTs (some are paramedics, too), so I get to help every branch of first responders, by providing support and lifting their spirits with my playfulness
Was trained and gifted by the K9 for Warriors program
Love visiting the local elementary school, where all the kids know my name, taking beachside rides in the fire engine, and participating in community events

K9 Bailey:

I support students, faculty, and staff at the University of South Florida in Tampa and especially love to advocate for victims of crimes
Represent the University of South Florida Police Department and am a graduate of the Paws and Stripes program
They say I’m a trailblazer in the therapy world, since I’m the first therapy K9 in Hillsborough County, Florida
Fun tidbits: My handler created a Bailey Button, so that anyone in the community who needs me can have me, and my birth name is Bubbles

Koda:

For 7 years, I’ve proudly served as the Community Engagement and Therapy K-9 at Georgetown Fire Department
Provide emotional support to 300 Georgetown police, fire, EMS, and the community of Georgetown, including hospitals, nursing homes, and schools
Teach kids about fire safety and — to inspire kids to believe in themselves and follow their dreams — just wrote my first book about my journey to joining the fire department
Have appeared on news channels nationally and internationally for my new children’s book series

Kora:

I’m the first certified therapy dog to serve the Asheville Police Department and surrounding area — for over 3 years now
Support first responders during crises and traumatic events like Hurricane Helene, “paw-trol” downtown Asheville in my donated paw-trol cart (blue lights and all!), comfort victims of crime, and participate in community initiatives like school programs
Am known for my bright personality and colorful wardrobe
Started out in a rescue litter and have come to symbolize hope, compassion, and resilience for the Asheville area

Lacy:

I walk the aisles of the 911 Call Center in Austin, Texas, supporting the Fire, Police, and Sheriff’s Department, as well as city and state dispatchers for Austin/Travis County
For my service at Uvalde Memorial Hospital after the horrific school shooting, earned the President’s Award from the American Bouvier des Flandres AKC club — (am a silver Bouvier des Flandres), among still other awards
Respond to disasters, support detectives and social workers in Victim Services, visit staff in the ER after crises, and educate the public on emergency preparedness for pets
Am a member of K9’s On Call Support Dogs and 5-year member of Pet Partners’ animal therapy program and Animal Assisted Crisis Response

Lincoln:

• I am the Town of Tolland’s official therapy dog and make visits and attend employee events alongside my handler, who works in the Human Services Department
Visit local senior homes and provide emotional comfort to residents in distress or crisis
Am the face of our community’s “Paws Up for Prevention” campaign for mental health and substance use prevention
Am a 2-year-old standard poodle that loves walks, the outdoors, and giving hugs

Lucy:

I am a pocket bully rescue and certified therapy dog with a smile that lights up a room
Support our fire department (Panama City) and first responders
As a crisis response K9, have been deployed to two disaster areas and can provide comfort in mass casualty incidents
Began my work with visits to the state veterans’ home (which I still visit), and have represented the 2nd Alarm Project, as they implement their canine therapy program

Maddi-Mae:

I deploy to support and comfort flight crews and first responders after fatal and non-fatal aviation incidents and high-acuity medical events
Work with a national peer support team for public safety aviation, Every Coast Helicopter Operations’ (ECHO) Flight Crew Assistance and Support Team (FAST) — we’re 100% volunteer-led!
My story is about the transformative power of second chances: I went from an overcrowded Texas shelter to a foster home and then a forever home in New Jersey; and there trained and was certified as a therapy dog
Am a calming presence to people of all ages and at schools, nursing homes, and community centers

Murphy:

I started out at the Rowan County Animal Shelter and overcame heartworm disease and neglect to become a full-time, certified therapy dog supporting victims of child abuse and the first responders who investigate and prosecute their cases
Am the full-time therapy dog at the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, where the office walls are hung with countless pieces of art by children who now call me a friend
As a volunteer with Canine Caregivers Therapy Dogs, support first responders and youth
Was named “Community Hero of the Month” in 2022 and was featured in Salisbury the Magazine — and Big Dog Kennel #26 at the Rowan County Animal Shelter is now sponsored in my name

Nami:

My name is the acronym for “National Alliance on Mental Illness,” and I’m a Wellness Support K9
Was trained to sense shifts in pheromones and blood pressure and use this skill to provide emotional support to first responders and support staff of Beverly Hills Police Department and the Beverly Hills community — and to be a comforting presence in times of crisis
Originally trained to be a guide dog, but my love of chasing squirrels awarded me reassignment to the Support K9 training team
Am training to be a member of the Support K9 group that will attend the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games to comfort and support the athletes

Orio:

I’m certified as a therapy dog for military personnel, first responders, students, airport patrons, and other populations
Help my handler, a firefighter/paramedic and veteran of Afghanistan who lives with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, make peer support visits and brighten the day of other first responders
At 6 years of age, have worked in this field for nearly my entire life (5 years)
Am a firehouse mascot Dalmatian and get really excited about visiting fire stations

Patriot Pasley:

I’ve dedicated my life to the students and staff of Leto High School, where I’ve served more than 7 years as a certified emotional support and service dog
As the first, original K-9 in the groundbreaking “Four-Legged Falcon” program, perform many functions, whether helping staff and students de-stress, assisting special education students with communication and other needs, or serving as a first responder during emotional crises or on big test days, among still other duties
Am a 9-year-old Giant Schnauzer with a heart as big as my stature
Was trained for this work at just 10 weeks old and was certified by “Sit and Stay”

Pegasus:

I’m one of two on-call therapy dogs — the other being my partner, Saffron! —that serve the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and its law enforcement officers, as well as 11 other municipalities under the Sheriff’s jurisdiction
Comfort and help victims of crime, by responding to crime scenes round-the-clock and supporting victims as they testify in pretrial and court proceedings — we also are very active in the community
Am a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team that helps officers process traumatic events
My handler, who has a serious health condition, says I “keep her going”

Polar:

I’m an emotional support therapy dog serving the West Richland Police Department and the greater community of West Richland
Was trained by Service Peace Warriors, an organization that trains service dogs for veterans with PTSD and related disabilities
Can ease tensions at department trainings and meetings and at one training played the role of the hostage victim
Have become an “irreplaceable” positive presence in the workplace

Raven:

On my first day of work (Aug. 12, 2024), I played a significant role in responding to a suicide call and de-escalating the situation, so that a man who had barricaded himself in his house and was threatening to take his own life was able to peacefully surrender with some encouragement from me
Am part of a new therapy dog pilot program at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
My handler (8 years in the Sheriff’s Patrol division) is also a member of the Traumatic Advocate Response Team (S.T.A.R.), which provides mental health support to officers/deputies after critical incidents
Have been featured on the local news for saving lives

Rex:

I started out as a foster during the pandemic, but when my new family saw how loving and gentle I am, they adopted me and decided to channel my kindness into training and certification for pet therapy
Am a 4-year-old Rottweiler that barks back at the common misconception that we Rottweilers are bullies
Visit hospitals, fire departments, and first responders
Love giving long hugs to those who need comfort and sharing the message that seeking help is a sign of strength

Rocket:

I’m a certified therapy dog and official first responder therapy dog working with the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and first responders in our region of North Idaho
Have come along hundreds of deputies, fire fighters, and veterans, after violent and tragic incidents, sat with staff and families in the hospital, and visited area schools, hospice facilities, and veterans’ homes
My handler is a chaplain and the manager of our Agency’s Peer Support team
Am AKC-registered as “Rocket the Kindhearted”

Rodney:

I’m a registered therapy dog and psychiatric service dog, and my handler is a volunteer firefighter with PTSI and the founder of the new non-profit for first responders, Paws of Love
After being surrendered twice as a rescue, trained with an inmate at the local prison — we learned a lot from each other, and the positive transformation was mutual!
Am named after my handler’s friend, a firefighter who died 4 years ago
Was certified as a therapy dog by the American Kennel Club and Alliance of Therapy Dogs, after making more than 500 visits to first responders, the local hospital, and in the community

Rudy:

I provide comfort to first responders and in hospitals, convalescent homes, educational institutions (UCLA, Pepperdine, and others), and special needs programs
Serve the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the California Highway Patrol, in conjunction with Blue Line Dogs Inc.
Have received the 2023 US Presidents Gold Volunteer Award, 2023 LAPD Police Chief Michael Moore Commendation, and 2023 LASD LA County Sheriff Robert Luna Commendation
Have over 1600 hours of community service

Scooby:

I was rescued by a pilot after a hurricane on the Cayman Islands separated me from my litter
Originally trained to be a human recovery K9, but my greyhound instincts to hunt small animals were a distraction, so I became a therapy dog
Have made over 500 visits to fire and police departments, schools, universities, hospitals, and other community events and have been at critical mass casualty sites and prolonged law enforcement scenes
At 13, I’m no spring chicken but still get excited when the work vest and leash come out

Sundance Kid:

I began working and training as a therapy dog at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital when I was just 3 months old and have been there ever since (9 whole years!)
Passed my therapy test at the age of 1
Manage a facility (Conine Clubhouse/JDCH) that accommodates families whose child is receiving hospital care
My paycheck is the smiles and appreciation I receive — that and the gratification of knowing I am part of the medical team

Tilly:

I was a member of The Caring Paws Therapy Organization & Alliance of Therapy Dogs
and worked with the Peachtree City Police Department Auxiliary Force for 3 years
Served the citizens of Peachtree City by providing comfort and joy to several thousand people and through participation in city events
Spent my last day of life (September 28, 2024) doing what I loved most — working at an event for kids with special needs
Loved to put on my vest and meet people at events

Willowbrook:

After being rescued from a backyard breeder and beating parvo, I’ve visited thousands of first responders in L.A. County (6,000 sworn personnel and 8,000 civilian personnel)
At 5.5 pounds, (6 pounds with my vest), I’m the smallest volunteer at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and am here to prove anyone can “Do Big Things”
Have been awarded AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Urban Dog, and AKC Community Canine Titles, AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished, and the Presidential Points of Light Gold Award for Volunteerism
Appeared in a Sheriff’s recruitment video to encourage the public to “Do Big Things” — and became a star when the video reached the #1 law enforcement spot in the nation

Zayne Grey

I’m a therapy cat, so while I can’t win this contest, I am giving an “a-paws” to all therapy animals!
Was destined to be a therapy cat after a video clip surfaced of my litter— I was the only laidback one in the bunch, just lazily lying on my back and swiping at my sibs
Visit two San Antonio Hospitals, two nursing homes, and a library, and make special visits to schools, wellness events, and other events in the community
I love to lie next to patients—it makes me purr—and I do tricks like ringing a bell

The Cause – Why Participate

It’s not every day that we get to honor a therapy dog for its excellence in service or support our first responders and their mental health. Now we’re doing both, by offering the “First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award.” This nationwide contest will showcase therapy dogs everywhere in the many roles they fill, while also shining the spotlight on therapy dogs that assist first responders—and the critical need for more such dogs, both in South Florida and in communities across the U.S.

The Need for More Therapy Dogs for First Responders

America’s first responders are on the frontlines of danger every day, saving lives and keeping our communities and nation safe. That can take a toll on their mental health.

Therapy dogs help these heroic men and women rebound from emergencies and reset between calls. The calming, healing presence of these dogs enables first responders to process the on-the-job traumas they’ve experienced and cope better with stress, grief, and anxiety.

As indispensable as they are in this capacity, therapy dogs can also be expensive to acquire and take time to train. This contest shines a light on the critical role they play in supporting America’s public safety professionals. By recognizing one therapy dog for its excellence in service and by sharing their story with a national audience, we hope to advocate for more such therapy dogs in more communities across America.

The Award

The winner of the first-ever, annual First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award will receive the following prize:

Gift Basket From Chewy.com
$2,000 check in support of their work
Free national publicity, including a feature blog that reaches more than 100,000 people on social media and a press release announcing the news
A “Top Paws Therapy Dog Award” badge for placement on their website or blog in recognition of their status as one of 10 finalists
A $2,500 donation made in their honor by FHE Health to our partner organization First Responders Pack Foundation, which exists to train more therapy dogs for first responders

Who Can Apply?

Any owner/handler/trainer and their therapy dog in any context can apply for this award. Any person who wants to apply on behalf of a therapy dog that has made a difference in their life and/or community can also apply.

Be mindful that the selection committee would like to see some evidence of your impact on the first responder population. You and your therapy dog do not need to work exclusively with first responder populations in order to apply.

“One Dog Per Organization”

In the spirit of a fair playing field, we are requesting a limit of one application (one dog) per organization. Your accommodation of this request can help to ensure that together, we are able to represent as many dogs and organizations as possible. We appreciate that in some contexts, such as with a large, sprawling organization that has many dogs in various agencies or branches, it may be hard or impossible to enforce this rule. However, blatant violations of this request will also be taken into account during the selection process, in accordance with our request for one dog per organization.

Deadline for Applications and Timeline for 2024 Award

We will begin accepting applications for the 2024 award on Wed., Sept. 4.
The deadline for applications is Wed., Nov. 20.
A public vote to determine 10 finalists will occur Nov. 25–Dec. 4
10 finalists will be announced on Mon., Dec. 9
The final winner will be announced on Fri., Dec. 13.

Application Requirements

All applicants are required to complete a form on this website page. All applicants will be required to submit the following materials:

A short typed essay (at least one paragraph in length) about the dog you are nominating and the dog’s story, as well as why you believe it should be awarded the First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award
Any proof of training such as therapy dog certification, enrollment in a certification course, or course(s) that qualifies the dog to serve in whatever context(s) it serves (hospital, nursing home, fire departments, etc.)
A photo of the dog
Any links to news or media reports about the dog
A completed application form

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Contest Details

The Selection Process

The finalists and first-place winner will be chosen by a small committee with representatives from FHE Health and FHE Health’s partner organization First Responders Pack Foundation. The Broward County-based non-profit is officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Certified Therapy Dog Organization and exists to train more therapy dogs to support the mental and emotional health of first responders in the aftermath of trauma.

Firefighter Dean Moreno, the founder of First Responders Pack Foundation, will help lead the selection committee. Moreno is a certified AKC evaluator for Star Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine, and Urban Canine Good Citizen and can issue the Therapy Dog Certificate to eligible dogs. He is currently in the process to become a professional dog trainer.

The 10 finalists will be chosen by public vote on our official voting page, which will provide a photo and profile for each competing dog. The voting page will go live at the close of the application period, at which point contestants will be alerted by email that their dog can now start taking votes.

The Voting Process

Anyone who wishes to vote can vote and will be allowed one vote. Your email address will be required in order to vote but will not be retained or used to contact you for any other purpose.

Last year, we ensured a fair voting process by implementing measures to prevent vote tampering and manipulation (such as multiple or spammy emails). This year, we are doing the same but are implementing an even more stringent voting system to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

Non-Discrimination Policy Disclaimer

FHE Health does not discriminate on any basis, whether by age, race, sex, religion, disability status or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants are given equal consideration and are assessed strictly based on the strength of their application and essay. It is at the sole discretion of our team to select the dog we feel is most deserving of this award. By applying for the First Responder Paws Therapy Dog Award, you agree to FHE Health’s privacy policy and disclaimer.

About FHE Health

FHE Health, a national behavioral health provider, has been serving adults (ages 18 and up) with mental health and substance use needs for more than 20 years. From its headquarters in Deerfield Beach, Florida, our state-of-the-art facility serves men and women from around the country with integrated care, specialized treatment programs, and evidence-based therapies and innovations.

FHE’s specialized treatment program “Shatterproof at FHE Health” is nationally recognized for its work with first responders, many of whom have achieved quicker, more comprehensive recovery through cutting-edge neuroscience-based treatments, trauma therapies like EMDR, peer support groups, and … the occasional visit from a therapy dog.

How to Reach Our Team

We are not able to take or return phone calls. However, this page contains all of the information necessary to apply. If you have a question, you may email us at marketing@fhehealth.com, and one of our team will respond when able.