Sue Bassett Foundation Donated $6,000 to Melbourne Fire
The donation funds essential equipment for Rigs, a therapy dog serving with the Melbourne Fire Department.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Sue Bassett Foundation has contributed $6,000 to the Melbourne Fire Department to support its Peer Support Team therapy dog, Rigs. The funds are earmarked for specialized safety equipment for the canine.
Why it matters
The donation honors the memory of Sue Bassett, who passed away in 2023, by funding tools necessary for the continued welfare of animals that provide mental health support to emergency responders.
The $6,000 gift covers the purchase of a K9-specific mask and a specialized vehicle ramp for K9 response units. These resources directly support Rigs, who joined the department's Peer Support Team in 2025.
The players
Sue Bassett Foundation
This charitable organization supports community service projects and animal welfare initiatives in the Brevard County area.
Melbourne Fire Department
This municipal agency provides fire protection and emergency medical services to residents of Melbourne, Florida.
Rigs
Rigs is a therapy dog that joined the department's Peer Support Team in 2025 to assist firefighters with their mental well-being.
The details
Rigs assists the Melbourne Fire Department by providing vital peer-to-peer mental health support to firefighters after they respond to difficult or traumatic incidents. This financial gift ensures the department can provide safer transportation and protection for the animal during emergency calls.
Timeline
Sue Bassett passed away on November 16, 2023.
Rigs joined the Peer Support Team in 2025.
The donation was announced on October 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
This donation mirrors a broader national shift toward integrating K9 therapy programs into emergency service Peer Support Teams to address firefighter mental health. It positions local philanthropic foundations as essential partners in sustaining specialized wellness initiatives that municipal budgets may not fully cover.
Residents benefit from having a more resilient and mentally supported fire department workforce capable of handling emergency calls. While the donation does not change direct service fees, it ensures the department's K9 unit remains fully equipped and operational.
The takeaway
Supporting therapy animals in public safety roles can be a highly effective way for local foundations to invest in the well-being of emergency responders. Residents looking to support their own local departments can inquire about volunteer opportunities or public-private funding initiatives.
Further reading
Learn more about local support efforts in our Melbourne Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Space Coast Daily.
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