Brevard County Fire Rescue Lieutenant Pete Patellis and his therapy dog Apollo have been recognized for their efforts to support first responders across Florida. The pair was acknowledged for their work with the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative (FFSHC) Crisis Response K9 Team, where they provide emotional support to firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement during critical incidents. Patellis, a 24-year veteran of Brevard County Fire Rescue, joined the program in 2023 and has since worked with Apollo to assist first responders in moments of high stress.
Apollo, a trained therapy dog, accompanies Patellis to crisis scenes, peer support activations, and other high-pressure situations. The team’s role includes offering comfort to personnel dealing with trauma, grief, or anxiety after incidents such as major fires, natural disasters, or critical injuries. Patellis said the program helps first responders process emotions that often go unspoken in the field.
The FFSHC Crisis Response K9 Team operates across Florida, deploying to incidents in multiple counties. Patellis and Apollo have traveled to locations including Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville to support colleagues facing mental health challenges. The team’s work is part of a broader initiative to address the mental health needs of first responders, who often face unique stressors due to the nature of their jobs.
Patellis emphasized that the program is not a substitute for professional counseling but serves as an immediate resource for those in need. He described Apollo’s presence as a way to break down barriers that prevent some first responders from seeking help. The recognition highlights the growing awareness of mental health issues within emergency services and the role of innovative solutions like therapy animals in addressing them.