WFD adds two more crisis response dogs to program

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Fire Department is adding a fourth and fifth Crisis Response Facility Dog to its program with paws4people foundation. 

Jethro and Clyde are joining the group, which already consists of Rhys, Heart and Axel.

Jethro will report to work with his handler, Lt. Josh Baltz, at Station 3 on C Shift. Clyde will report to work with his handler, Captain John Greene who works in the Training Division.

The new dogs will work at the fire station on their shift and go home with their firefighter handler when they are off duty.

The goal of the program is to aid in de-escalation of stress post-call, ease tension at the station, lower anxiety, reduce long-term effects of PTSD, and improve cardiovascular health, according to the Wilmington Fire Department.