Lincoln welcomes therapy dog General Mattis to assist first responders

(FOX40.COM) — The city of Lincoln is welcoming a new addition to its police and fire departments.

The newest member of the departments is a five-month Goldendoodle General Mattis as a public safety therapy dog, city officials announced in a press release.

The role of General Mattis is provide mental health support to officers, firefighters and other first responders, who may experience stress, depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on the job.

“Therapy dogs have a calming effect, helping to reduce blood pressure and stress, improve moods, and allow responders to better focus on the communities they serve while also receiving the care they need,” city officials said in a press release.

Officials said General Mattis is coming to the city from Hearts4Heroes USA, an organization dedicated to supporting men and women who serve in roles as first responders.

Before General Mattis begins his job, officials said the comfort dog is in training to work toward a therapy dog certification. Once certification is complete, General Mattis will continue to develop his skills with Lincoln’s police and fire departments.

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