Certification for county staff member

A member of Westchester County’s staff has been honored by receiving a certification from an organization based in San Rafael, California, that provides services in 41 states to more than 75,000 first responders. But, the staff member isn’t a political appointee, nor is he a civil service employee. The staff member is Phoenix, a 4-year-old Lab mix assigned to the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services (DES).

Phoenix has been certified as a First Responder Therapy Dog by the nonprofit organization First Responder Therapy Dogs, which has been promoting the value of therapy dogs in helping first responders deal with various difficulties stemming from their occupations. The national certification is the most recent achievement for Phoenix and his handler Samantha Stretz-Fejes. Last year, the American Kennel Club awarded Phoenix its Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award and recognized Stretz-Fejes as an accomplished handler.

The Good Citizen title is earned after a dog and its handler show competence in 10 skills focused on obedience and handler development. Phoenix and Stretz-Fejes also received an AKC Novice Trick Dog title attesting to the dog’s versatility and intelligence based on the successful demonstration of five “tricks” including going through a tunnel, finding a hidden item and giving a high-five.

“Our firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers and dispatchers often see terrible things, or handle highly stressful incidents, in the course of their duties,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “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.”

First Responder Therapy Dogs points to research showing that the use of therapy dogs can produce measurable benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, slower breathing, and improved mood and mental state.

According to DES Deputy Commissioner Susan Spear, Phoenix was obtained through SPCA Westchester with the help of the staff at the Briarcliff Manor animal rescue shelter. Phoenix was acquired by the county in August 2022.