OFFICER OF THE PAW
Sheriff’s office adds police dog to investigate fires
“These specialized teams will help law enforcement and fire investigators solve arson cases across New York.” — Gov. Andrew Cuomo
TROY, N.Y. » The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office has a new four-legged officer to help investigate fires throughout the county.
Last week, four handlers and their canine partners successfully completed an eight week canine accelerant detection course at the New York State Academy of Fire Science and have new assignments in law enforcement and fire service investigation efforts across the state.
Rensselaer County Sheriff Deputy Paul Davendonis was assigned a Labrador Retriever named Halli. According to a recent news release from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, private individuals donated Halli for service.
Each canine and their handler trained together for eight weeks at the State Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. The teams completed their eight week Canine Accelerant Detection course on May 4 and participated in a graduation ceremony that day.
During the eight week program, canines and their handlers learn to detect the scent of common liquids associated with possible arson. Additionally, the canines receive exposure to various environmental situations such as riding in boats, helicopters, and aerial trucks; the dogs also become familiar with large groups of people, bodies of water, elevators and escalators. The handlers learn about their partners by covering topics including canine health, behavior, nutrition, olfactory senses and emergency first aid for the dogs.
“These specialized teams will help law enforcement and fire investigators solve arson cases across New York,” Cuomo said in a news release. “By pairing up experienced officials with these trained canines, we will speed up investigations, bring justice to victims and their families, and help make a safer, stronger New York for all.”
“We are proud to provide training and support to these teams so they can enhance the capabilities of their departments in their new role,” added New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Roger Parrino. “Congratulations to these four handlers and their canines on their graduation and thank you for your continued dedication to your department and the communities you serve.”
Rensselaer County Sheriff Patrick Russo said his department has had an arson canine before, but that dog had to recently retire because of its age. Russo said the arson canine will help local fire departments be able to investigate possible arsons and other types of fires.
“The arson dog is important for our continued cooperation with the fire companies throughout the county,” Russo said. “It will be able to sniff out
accelerants and try and pinpoint the location of the fire.”
The other canine graduates include, Pete, a Labrador Retriever mix, assigned to New York City Fire Department Fire Marshal Daniel Pagels; Taz a Labrador Retriever mix, is assigned to Office of Fire Prevention and Control Investigator Thomas Hetherington in the Montour Falls office; and Chili, a German Shorthaired Pointer, is assigned to Office of Fire Prevention and Control Investigator Edward Stevens in the Syracuse office.
Private individuals also donated Chili for service. Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in Dewitt donated Taz and Pete.