First Responder Therapy Dogs

First responders are our everyday heroes, bravely facing immense physical and mental challenges. From firefighters to paramedics, dispatch centers, law enforcement, and search and rescue personnel, these brave individuals often confront extreme stress, PTSD, depression, and even suicidal impulses. First Responder Therapy Dogs provides trained therapy dogs that offer emotional support directly to on-duty heroes. Research shows they reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and elevate mood—helping first responders focus on their communities while caring for themselves. In 2025 alone, they reached over 70,000 first responders nationwide. The organization has more than 500 certified therapy dog teams, spanning 46 states, from Alabama to Wisconsin.

Michelle Detrick brings 17 years of experience working as a paramedic in Oakland and as a firefighter/paramedic for the Berkeley Fire Department and Central Marin Fire Department. She began her teaching career in 2004 as an EMT instructor for the College of Marin and has been an instructor for her peers throughout her career in the fire service.