Vincent & Rumble
Freedom Service Dog Changes First Responder’s Life
Michael Roche was a paramedic who became paralyzed from the chest down after a vehicle accident on duty. A few years later, Michael hired a dog trainer named PJ to help train his dog, Oreo, to assist him with everyday tasks. Together, they founded Freedom Service Dogs in 1987 to serve other people with disabilities.
Our story began with a first responder, and in December 2025, our mission came full circle when FSD placed its first two service dogs with first responders living with PTSD. One of those partnerships is former firefighter and EMT Vincent and their new best friend, Freedom Service Dog Rumble.
Before Rumble
At just 19-years-old, Vincent began responding to structural fires, wildfires, medical emergencies, and trauma calls. As time would have it, their career started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Pine Gulch Fire, so they faced long days and heartbreaking scenes day after day. In addition, Vincent faced struggles with acceptance from their community and even faced houselessness. Over time, the weight of those experiences began to take its toll and PTSD symptoms got behind the wheel.
“I faced frequent nightmares and hypervigilance, especially when I could hear sirens but not see them,” Vincent shared. “Certain tones would send me into a heightened state because it sounded like my pager or radio. There were moments when memories would flood back of a patient that we couldn’t save. It kept me up at night. I would have panic attacks in public, and I was exhausted.”
Eventually, Vincent realized they couldn’t continue in their career as a first responder.
But when they were matched with Rumble, an affectionate, silly black Labrador retriever known for his funny feet, everything began to change. From the moment the pair met, it was love at first sight and Vincent felt a sense of hope, comfort, and security he hadn’t experienced in a long time.
A New Chapter
Rumble was expertly trained to help Vincent navigate daily life with greater confidence by finding exits in public spaces, reducing hypervigilance, creating space in crowds, picking up dropped items, and more. Yet the companionship and humor he offers may be his most powerful gift.
“Every day, Rumble brings me comfort by providing deep pressure therapy when I feel overwhelmed, interrupting anxious behaviors, and waking me from nightmares. I never imagined how beneficial a service animal would be for me, but he is my best friend who brings me so much joy and love,” Vincent said.
With Rumble by their side, Vincent feels empowered to reengage with the world and continue pursuing a career in social work with dreams of supporting others through medical crises. They can also get back to doing the things they love, such as partaking in the arts and traveling, knowing Rumble always has their back.
“First responders are often missed when services are offered,” Vincent shared. “There’s still stigma around us asking for help. We need to change that, and supporting organizations like FSD makes healing possible.”
Freedom Service Dogs like Rumble are life-changing for first responders and other heroes like Vincent. When you give a gift of any amount to Freedom Service Dogs today, you can have a hand in helping us partner more extraordinary dogs with people in need at no cost. Dogs make a difference, and so can you.
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Published 4/20/2026
Contact Erin Conley at econley@