CONCORD, NH– There’s a new fire-sniffing dog in town.
Pal, who is the canine partner of Investigator Sean Plumer of the NH Fire Marshal’s Office, has completed a rigorous four-week training program at the Accelerant Detection Canine School through the Maine State Criminal Justice Academy.
The dog, the initial training, and the annual re-certification are all made possible through a scholarship provided by State Farm Insurance Arson Dog Program. Since 1993, the State Farm Arson Dog Program has put more than 350 dogs and their partners to work in 44 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces.
Accelerant detection canines are trained to sniff out minute traces of accelerants (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) that may have been used to start a fire. Each dog works and lives with their handler, a law enforcement officer or firefighter trained to investigate fire scenes. The canine and handler are required to complete 200 hours of training in Maine, training every day during the initial four to five weeks, and then become recertified annually.
The NHFMO is fortunate to have two canine teams, and through education and knowledge, these canine teams work together to make a difference in the investigation of the violent crime of arson.
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