During the summer of 2025, the Fairfield Fire Department launched a canine unit within the department's Peer Support program to serve as therapy dogs for our members.

Studies have shown that interacting with a dog allows people to relax and decompress from stress and anxiety-and in the firefighting profession, it is so important to acknowledge and manage these realities. The FFD is committed to making the mental health of our members a priority- and having a therapy dog available within the department on every Unit Day allows us to do just that. 

Handlers- Captain Krueckeburg, Captain Weiss, and FAO Colvin attended training with the Brevard County (FL) Sheriff's Office's "Paws and Stripes College," where they were issued their dogs and learned to be effective therapy dog handlers. During the intensive handler training, the new handler & canine pairs interacted with the public in various high-traffic spaces to prepare them for different and even high-stimulant environments during their service.

The FFD therapy dogs- Betty, Rusty, and Turbo are beloved members of our department and are community-favorites at outreach events!