After 35 years as a paramedic with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), I thought I had experienced every emotional high and low a person could endure. I had been the first on the scene for countless emergencies, worked through natural disasters, and had the privilege of saving lives and comforting those in their worst moments. But after retiring, I, like many of my colleagues, faced a new challenge: what’s next? An opportunity presented itself, one that would test me in ways I didn’t expect: raising puppies for veterans and first responders needing a service dog.
I have always been passionate about giving back, and during my last year of employment as a Battalion Chief, part of my responsibilities was overseeing the department’s Behavioral Health Program. Along with providing service dogs to veterans, I became aware of the Patriotic Service Dog Organization, which also offered dogs for police and fire departments. This is where I became focused on acquiring two dogs for my department’s program. The organization aims to provide veterans and first responders with highly trained dogs that could assist with mobility, PTSD, and other challenges. As a lifelong dog lover, helping raise a puppy that could change someone’s life was deeply rewarding.
The task was demanding, but my years as a paramedic had prepared me well. I was no stranger to long hours of dedication and meticulous attention to detail. The puppies require constant care, training, and socialization. But what surprised me the most was how much my experience in the LAFD had taught me about handling the inevitable separation—when the puppies I nurtured would be given to a veteran or first responder in need.
I’ve seen a lot of goodbyes in my career. Sometimes, it was a patient I had revived and sent to the hospital, other times, it was comforting a family who had just lost someone. I learned early on that you must detach emotionally while still giving your heart to the work. That’s how I approached raising these puppies.
The day finally came when my first puppy, Trooper, had to leave for advanced training. I knew it was coming, but it didn’t make the moment any easier. Trooper had been by my side for a year, learning commands, becoming familiar with public places, and bonding deeply with me. When it was time to say goodbye, I held her close, whispering words of encouragement, knowing that she would go on to help a veteran regain their independence.
I admit, it was tough. You can’t help but fall in love with them. But I kept reminding myself of the bigger picture—that Trooper was going to make a real difference in someone’s life, just like I did as a paramedic. That helped me cope.
I found comfort in my LAFD background during the tough moments. I reflected on situations where I had to make quick decisions, remain calm under pressure, and trust the process, even when it felt overwhelming. Letting go of the puppies was no different.
There were times in my career when I couldn’t control the outcome, but I always trusted in the training and the team. It’s the same here—these puppies are going on to something bigger than just me.
My wife and I have since raised multiple puppies for the organization, each with its personality and challenges. While the emotional toll of giving them up doesn’t get easier, I lean on my experience from my time with the LAFD to push through. The sense of fulfillment I get when I hear how the dogs are changing veterans’ lives makes every moment worth it.
Being a paramedic was all about helping people, and this is no different! I might not be on the front lines anymore, but I’m still serving. And that’s what keeps me going. Since having Trooper, I have had the pleasure of puppy-raising Bruno, Lucky, and now Piper. Trooper and Bruno have been paired with their veterans. Lucky still has another six months of advanced training until she gets paired. Piper will be with me until April 2025, at which time she will return to the Patriotic Service Dog Organization for her continued training. Most of the pups are ready for their forever person at the age of 1 ½ to 2 years.
My story is a testament to how a lifetime of service can translate into new, meaningful ways of giving back. By raising these puppies, I continue my mission to make the world a better place, one wagging tail at a time, and reduce the statistic from “22 to zero.” Each day, 22 of our nation’s heroes take their own lives. ❦

For more information about the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation, please visit https://www.patrioticservicedogfoundation.org/.

About the Author

Stacy E. Gerlich- Vice President Bud’s Odyssey and Peer Support Team Member

Battalion Chief/Paramedic Stacy Gerlich, Executive Officer of the Administrative Operations Bureau, retired in February after 35 years of service in the City of Los Angeles. Her duties at retirement included Gender Equity Officer, LGBTQ Liaison, Department Resilience Officer, Department Sustainability Officer, and manager of the Behavior Health Program. She is considered an expert in disaster preparedness.

Chief Gerlich is also a member of the Peer Support Program and is extremely passionate about the behavioral and mental health of our Veterans and First Responders. Chief Gerlich was one of twenty-three members of the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) that responded to the World Trade Center attack in September 2001.

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