The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM) is proud to share the successful completion of Operation Equip, a year-long initiative by the Central Mass Disaster Animal Response Team (CMDART) funded through CFNCM's Environmental Preservation & Animal Welfare grant program. The $5,000 grant supported pet first-aid training, the distribution of pet oxygen-mask kits to first responders, and direct emergency assistance to pet owners displaced by fire.

CMDART delivered three Pet First Aid and CPR training sessions, one more than originally planned, after strong community demand prompted the addition of a third course. Held in Winchendon, Fitchburg, and Berlin, the sessions drew 38 participants, including firefighters, EMTs, animal control officers, shelter personnel, and pet owners. Animal Control Officers received Continuing Education Units for their attendance, and every participant left with a pet first aid kit. A waiting list now exists for future offerings.

The grant also funded the purchase and personal delivery of pet oxygen mask kits to fire departments in Winchendon, Ayer, Westminster, Templeton, and surrounding towns. First responders receiving the kits described past experiences losing pets to smoke inhalation and expressed gratitude for the new equipment.When a family in Ayer lost their home to fire in October, CMDART activated quickly. Working with the American Red Cross, the organization negotiated below-market emergency boarding for two displaced pet birds and arranged delivery of pet food, crates, and first aid supplies to another affected family. CMDART also stood on standby during a barn fire in Lancaster, coordinating with emergency responders until the situation was resolved.

In January 2026, Griffin also delivered intake procedures training to the Littleton-Boxborough local emergency planning committee, and Ronald Sisco, Chair of the Boxborough Emergency Reserve Corps, called it "an outstanding event."