PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has welcomed a new member to its support team, and this one offers comfort with a wagging tail!
Fire Marshal and Division Chief David DeRita has teamed up with Hank, an American Kennel Club–registered therapy dog, to help provide emotional and behavioral support to fire rescue crews and families after critical incidents. Together, they are the first therapy K-9 team members of the Local 2928 Support Team.
Hank is a 6-year-old English Labrador retriever with a calm, gentle demeanor that helps put people at ease. He is certified as a Law Enforcement Investigative Therapy K-9 through the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Department, and is specially trained to work with children with specialized needs and adults experiencing emotional distress.
Chief DeRita and Hank are also trained in autism therapy and regularly take part in community events focused on fire safety, injury prevention, community safety and overall wellness. Those appearances are part of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue’s Community Risk Reduction Division outreach efforts.
Fire rescue officials say Hank’s love is unconditional, his smiles are contagious, and the connections he creates often speak louder than words — especially when people need comfort the most.
Hank interviewed live on ARC Florida Dec. 15 2025…