The newest addition to the Upshur County Emergency Communications Center has four legs and a tail.
The Upshur County Emergency Communications Center worked with K9s For Warriors to recruit Station Dog Chelsea, a two-year-old German Shepherd mix, as a therapy dog for telecommunicators and other first responders, according to a press release from the agency.
K9s For Warriors, the nation’s leading provider of trained service dogs to veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma, also partners with law enforcement and first responder agencies to provide high-quality therapy dogs at no financial cost. These dogs provide emotional support to police officers, firefighters, dispatchers, victims and others exposed to trauma in the line of duty every day.
Station Dog Chelsea was rescued from the City of Altus Animal Control in Oklahoma in June 2025. Shortly after, she was selected to participate in a prison-based dog training pilot program with K9s For Warriors at the Oklahoma State Reformatory where she completed approximately six weeks of basic training.
When evaluated by the K9s For Warriors Procurement Team, Chelsea stood out for her exceptionally loving, calm demeanor and natural ability to connect with people, often leaning in for comfort and affection. Those qualities, combined with her training and resilience, made her an ideal candidate to serve as a station dog.
“The cost of serving as a first responder goes far beyond what the public sees,” said Greg Wells, Army veteran, former law enforcement officer and director of the Station Dog Program at K9s For Warriors. “Station Dogs like Chelsea are trained to provide a steady, calming presence for dispatchers and officers who are exposed to crisis and trauma every day. Our goal is to support the mental and emotional well-being of those who continue to show up for their communities, and we’re confident Chelsea will bring comfort, connection and moments of relief to the Upshur County team.”
“When Chelsea walks into a room, you can feel the mood instantly shift — lighter, calmer, and more at ease,” said Kimbra Wachob, Chelsea’s handler. “She has quickly become an extension of me and a beloved part of our Communications Center family. K9s For Warriors provided me with the perfect partner to help support the heroes I work alongside every day. Even after just a few short months, her impact on our staff has been nothing short of incredible.”
Chelsea has become a valued and seamlessly integrated part of the 911 center, providing consistent comfort and emotional support to staff in a high-stress environment. Her presence has helped create a calmer atmosphere during difficult shifts, offering dispatchers a healthy outlet for stress, anxiety and emotional decompression after challenging calls.
In addition to her work within the 911 center, Chelsea has been introduced to partner agencies in fire, EMS and law enforcement, strengthening interagency connections and trust. She is available to support any first responder in need of extra comfort following a critical incident or crisis.
Every day in the United States, roughly 20 veterans take their own lives and more than 1,000 dogs are euthanized. K9s For Warriors is working every day to end veteran suicide by providing life-changing service dogs. As part of its mission, K9s For Warriors also provides station dogs to first responders and law enforcement across the country through an American Kennel Club recognized therapy dog program.
Station dogs are not diverted from any warriors in the K9s For Warriors service dog program. Station dogs are not service dogs and do not have rights or legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To learn more about K9s For Warriors, visit k9sforwarriors.org.
