MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Friday, May 10, marks First Responders Mental Health Awareness Day.

What You Need To Know

At least 30% of first responders experience stress, anxiety, and depression while on the job, according to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.

One Palmetto fire station is changing the game when it comes to helping their team overcome mental health struggles.

Steve Garrity starts his work the same way every day.

“Checking the monitor in the morning. Making sure the batteries are charged. Check to see if all the equipment is in there,” he said.

He’s a firefighter and paramedic at Station 5 for North River Fire District in Palmetto, a job he’s been in for 20 years.

Each call is different. Garrity says it’s like walking into the unknown.

“Some days, you know, it’s an easy day and some days it can be really stressful, different types of calls,” he said.

He says his job affected his mental health.

“I was just kind of ready to get out of the job. It was a lot. I have a young family, and it just wasn’t really dealing with things in the best way possible, and it’s isolating if you are having mental health issues,” he said.

But his mindset changed when he started working at this fire station.

Drew is the facility therapy dog that joined the force two years ago, from Dogs Inc in Palmetto.

“It’s the best feeling in the world, second to your kids. But dogs always know what’s going on, especially when you are trained. He can pick up on little things and make your day. You don’t have a choice but to be happy,” he said.

Having a therapy dog present can lower stress and anxiety symptoms, according to the National Library of Medicine.

“A lot of us compartmentalize everything. You might not want to explain or add a burden to your family, so with a dog, you don’t have to explain. They are full of joy and compassion for you,” Garrity said.

He says Drew helps the crew overcome mental struggles after responding to a difficult call.

“He has a job to do. He will brighten the mood on any day.”

But more importantly, it’s given the team a chance to be stronger together.

“It’s my second family. I count on them, they count on me,” he said.

The leader of the family is Fire Chief Joseph Sicking. He wanted a therapy dog to alleviate stress, and he says he’s noticed a big change.

“Having the dog present takes your mind off of what you just dealt with or seen. It loosens up the room. It lets you feel the setting is more informal and more of a discussion to get this stuff off our chest,” he said.

Garrity says it’s refreshing working somewhere that makes mental health a priority, something he hasn’t always experienced.

“Coming here, it was right off the bat with conversations with the chiefs,” he said.

One step at a time, moving forward with the help of a trusting friend.

Chief Sicking hopes more fire stations incorporate therapy dogs to help with mental health. He says, on average, the North River Fire District goes to more than 700 calls a month, and 64% of those are EMS related.