The nation's first full-time Police Crisis Response dog, Fozzie, has died after 10 years of service with the Scottsdale (AZ) Police Department.

During his career, Fozzie responded to homicides, suicides, fatal crashes, sexual assaults, domestic violence scenes and other critical incidents, providing comfort for people experiencing their worst day imaginable, a Scottsdale PD statement says.

In addition to his Crisis Response function, Fozzie served as a goodwill ambassador and made countless community presentations, school visits, and community special events.  Fozzie loved meeting kids at school and helped SPD School Resource Officers and Crime Prevention Officers deliver safety messages to students of all ages.  Fozzie was truly a friend to all, the department says.

Fozzie was slated to be a service dog and was donated to the Scottsdale Police Department by Michigan based Paws With A Cause, after it was determined he would make a better Police Crisis Canine.  Fozzie also helped blaze a trail for other public safety agencies to follow.

Agencies that have incorporated canine programs similar to that of SPD include the Glendale Fire Department, Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and over 16 police services in Canada, including the Delta Police Service.