The Scottsdale Police Department is mourning the loss of nation's first Police Crisis Response canine.
Scottsdale police took to Twitter Thursday afternoon to say that after nearly 10 years of working with the department’s Police Crisis Response team, Fozzie has passed away.
Fozzie forged the path for other Police Crisis canines. After he was taken on for his role, other public safety agencies followed suit and incorporated similar programs within their own departments.
During his career, he responded to various crime scenes including homicides, suicides, fatal crashes, sexual assault, and domestic violence. During these incidents, he brought a sense of comfort to those affected.
In addition to his role on the Crisis Response team, Fozzie served as a goodwill ambassador and was involved in community special events, community presentations and school visits. According to Scottsdale police, he loved meeting kids at the various schools and working alongside SPD school resource officers.
When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed snacking, napping and swimming, Scottsdale police said.
He initially came to the department as a service dog donated by the Michigan-based rescue, Paws With a Cause. However, it was decided that Fozzie would make a better Police Crisis canine.
Scottsdale police are affectionately remembering Fozzie as a pup who made a lasting impression on everyone he met.
