The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
K-9, handler investigate fire in Puerto Rico
Fire Department Lt. Gordon Thompson and his accelerant detection K-9 are ready whenever duty calls.
Painesville Township Fire Department Lt. Gordon Thompson and his accelerant detection K-9 Ian is ready whenever duty calls.
“I have to feed and train him 365 days a year,” Thompson said. “He never eats out of a bowl, I feed him out of my hand.”
Their dedication and preparedness was necessary when they were given less than 24 hour notice to investigate a fire in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The pair recently received that request from Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their first federal deployment.
Both Thompson and Ian attend The National Canine Training Center that trains them in accelerant detection and investigation protocols. Ian, who is certified by ATF, is one of only 54 ATF accelerant dogs in the country. The K-9 Arson Team is part of the National Response Team and can be called to anywhere in the United States and its territories to investigate a fire.
The ATF needed Ian, a 5-year-old black Labrador and his experienced handler Thompson to investigate a suspicious fire in a bank that does business in the United States, said Painesville Township Administrator Michael Manary.
The bank is located in the heart of San Juan’s financial district. During their two-day investigation, Ian was able to assist local and federal authorities in collecting evidence that will be used at the accused person’s trial, he said.
Thompson said it was an overall great experience.
The costs for Ian, his training and for traveling to an investigation are paid for by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency.
Manary said Painesville Township is fortunate to have a specially trained K-9 arson dog.
“The ATF said it costs between $50,000 to $70,000 to get one dog trained and on the streets,” Thompson said. “You figure the average fire loss in this area is around $200,000, if that dog solves one arson, they’ve paid for themselves.”
Ian is also a regional asset, Painesville Township Trustee Josh Pennock said.
“They have solved countless fires in the Northeast Ohio area and that really have saved the community money,” he said. “It helps keep our insurance rates stable. Anytime they can help solve a case, the insurance company doesn’t pay out and it saves us all money.”
The ATF’s support and community’s generosity makes this program possible.
Ian receives complimentary services at Brightwood Animal Hospital in Mentor and Paw Wash in Painesville Township.
Thompson adds that he would not be able to do this without the support and sacrifices of his family.
“It can be a lot of work, but I love to investigate fires and Ian has been a great partner,” he said.