FirstNet, suppliers of emergency cellular communications for first responders, is also providing a comfort animal for first responders working in the aftermath of the devastating July 4 (2025) Texas Hill Country floods.
“Knowing the toll events like these can have on the mental health and wellbeing of first responders, we have deployed ROG the Dog, the FirstNet, Built with AT&T animal-assisted therapy program, to provide much-needed comfort to first responders and the local community in their time of need,” AT&T said in a press release.
Named after the FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG)—which guides deployment of portable FirstNet cell sites during emergencies—ROG the Dog is a group of more than 30 trained “doodles” stationed across the country that are specialized in supporting health and wellness for first responders. Available at no additional charge, ROG the Dog can be requested similarly to an asset from the dedicated FirstNet fleet.
For the last two days, Chief, a 4 year-old bernedoodle, has been meeting with hundreds of first responders and locals at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Camp Mystic, also stopping by the AT&T retail store in Kerrville to support the well-being of employees impacted by the floods.
In addition to supporting more than a dozen requests from public safety and providing health and wellness support, FirstNet ROG has a Strike Team on the ground actively supporting search and rescue teams on the frontlines where connectivity is needed the most. We thank our first responders for their commitment to emergency response and will continue to support them every step of the way.
“As public safety’s partner, AT&T has a responsibility unlike any other wireless carrier to be there for the first responder community. That’s why FirstNet—the only network built with and for America’s first responders—continues to grow its commitment to public safety by providing a unique type of support to keep them mission ready,” the company said.
