NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — An NYPD first responder received a service dog, Shea, in a heartwarming pregame ceremony at Citi Field on Sept. 28, by the America’s VetDogs and the Amazin' Mets Foundation.
Richie Carter, the first responder, worked as an officer for nearly two decades and served over 250 hours as a first responder during 9/11.
“Being placed with Shea at Citi Field was a moment filled with overwhelming emotions,” Carter said. “The New York Mets have been incredibly supportive, and I believe Shea will bring a transformative change to my life.”
Carter is a major Mets fan and also played softball during his time with the NYPD in their own softball league.
“We're honored to partner with America’s VetDogs,” Alex Cohen, Mets owner and president of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, said. “Supporting our veterans and first responders has always been close to our hearts.”
The Mets are the first MLB team to raise a future service dog.
The Amazin' Mets Foundation, a New York-based national nonprofit that provides specially trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities, is sponsoring another service dog, Seaver, who will also be paired with a selected veteran or first responder.
Seaver is in the early stages of training with the Mets Foundation staff and fans. He still has some training to go through which he will do in Smithtown, N.Y.