Ulster launches therapy dog program for 911 operators
Initiative is first of its kind in New York State
911 operators hear it all on a daily basis, answering an average of 329 calls per day in Ulster County. The job can be emotional and stressful, and lead to chronic health effects.
That’s why there’s now Oliver: an 8-week-old Goldendoodle that will maintain a regular schedule at the Ulster County 911 Emergency Services Center available for “critical incident stress management following particularly challenging calls or events.”
"Our 911 telecommunicators are the first, first responders. They handle traumatic calls daily while maintaining composure and professionalism,” said Everett Erichsen, Ulster County Director of Emergency Services. “This program recognizes the emotional toll of this critical work and provides a proven method for reducing stress and improving mental wellbeing."
The initiative marks the first dedicated therapy dog program for a 911 call center in New York State. The therapy dog will also be available to assist the broader first-responder community throughout Ulster County.
Oliver will undergo training by Certified K9 Services with therapy dog training in specialized environments.
Anthony McKenzie, a Public Safety Telecommunicator for 17 years with the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, has been selected as the therapy dog handler and has been receiving comprehensive training in several key areas, including peer support training, resiliency training, and critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training.
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