Arson dogs are trained to work with a human handler and find evidence at fire scenes. The dogs are searching for accelerants such as gas, oil or fuel used to start fires. State Farm is the only company in North America that provides funding for the training of arson dog teams.

The State Farm Arson Dog Program is available to fire departments and law enforcement agencies across the United States. Since its beginning in 1993, the program has placed more than 425 dogs in 46 states, three Canadian provinces and the District of Columbia.

Arson is one of the most difficult crimes to solve, as the evidence literally burns up. Insurance fraud causes billions of dollars in damage each year. In fact, many police and fire departments are seeing an increase in suspicious fires because of business closures, financial challenges and social disruption.

"Fire investigators should have every tool possible to combat this deadly crime," said Heather Paul, State Farm Arson Dog Program Coordinator. “These dogs help fire investigators to do their job. Arson dog teams can quickly locate evidence of accelerants such as gasoline or fuel used to start a fire.”

Meeting and training with a new best friend

All of the dogs are Labrador retrievers and come from animal rescues or disability assistance programs. The dogs are trained months before they meet their human handler and must work for every meal. When the dog smells fuel, they sit down and point with their nose. Their “reward” is a handful of dog food and praise. They can locate accelerants quickly, even if it is buried under debris.

Canine handlers are police detectives or fire investigators. The training class is four weeks long and the handlers know it will be intense. Over the four weeks, the handler and dog will repeat training drills multiple times a day. Food reward dogs only eat from the hand of their handler so these training drills will be repeated multiple times a day for the life until the dog retires.

Following a month of classes and drills, the arson dog teams are tested and certified by the Maine State Police. Once certified, the teams travel back to their communities to begin investigating fires. The dogs live in the home of their handler and they retire in the home of their handler. For the men and women training in the program, working with a dog is a career highlight.

Congratulations to the newly certified teams in Class No. 52!

1. Fire Chief Billy Dillon & K-9 Piper - Howe Springs Fire Rescue (Florence, SC)
2. Special Agent Michael Kuban & K-9 Phantom - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
3. Special Agent Kenny Arnold & K-9 Gunny - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
4. Special Agent Jeff Pride and K-9 PJ - Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)
5. Captain Stephanie Schofield & K-9 Jennifer - Rawlins Fire Department (Rawlins, WY)
6. Fire Inspector John Neeb & K-9 Mika - West Fargo Fire Department (West Fargo, ND)
7. Fire Investigator Thomas Cantola & K-9 Maya - Girard Fire Department (Girard, OH)
8. Fire Investigator Brian Acors & K-9 Erny - Richmond Fire Department (Richmond, VA)
9. Arson Investigator Darren Jurado & K-9 Brownie - Compton Fire Department (Compton, CA)
10. Fire Investigator Lee Maness & K-9 Vinny - Cobb County Fire and EMS (Marietta, GA)
11. Detective Michael Douglas K-9 Ruthie - State of Florida, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services (Tampa, FL)
12. Detective Cody McIntyre & K-9 Rico - State of Florida, Division of Investigative & Forensic Services (Tallahassee, FL)
13. Firefighter Brent Autry & K-9 Tony - Milan Fire Department (Milan, TN)
14. Assistant Fire Chief Jim Kanavy & K-9 Mikey - Scott County Fire Department (Georgetown, KY)

Arson Dog Calendar

Each of this year's class of K-9 crime-fighters is featured on one of the calendar pages below. Click to download.

In the News:

• West Fargo Pioneer: Fire corner: Welcoming Mika to the team (09/30/20)

Arson K9 Kaimi is one of those dogs. K9 Kaimi is the first and oldest serving arson dog in Hawaii. Abandoned at a California shelter when he was seven months old, things didn’t look good for the young yellow Lab. Most pet adopters are looking for a calm pet or lap dog, not a dog with an energy level that doesn’t stop. Thankfully a shelter worker took notice of his enthusiasm and work drive. They contacted a local fire investigator, who reached out to trainers with the State Farm® Arson Dog Program.

In April 2008, K9 Kaimi met and trained with his new human partner, Assistant Fire Chief Robert (Bobby) Perreira. After five weeks of training, they became a certified team for the county and state. Since then, K9 Kaimi has worked hundreds of fires across the Hawaiian Islands, finding evidence that helps local police and fire departments during arson investigations.

Assistant Fire Chief Robert Perreira and K9 Kaimi will be at the Petco store in Hilo, Hawaii, on Oct. 12 for the Petco Foundation Meet a Helping Hero campaign. It will be one of his last public events. K9 Kaimi will retire from service in December 2019 after serving the residents of Hawaii for 11 ½ years. Nearly 13 years old, K9 Kaimi may be a little slower, but his nose is still sharp.

State Farm will have 47 arson dogs and handlers at Petco stores as part of the Meet a Helping Hero campaign. The campaign highlights how working animals transform lives by providing comfort, support, and assistance. The campaign also raises money to support animal shelters, rescues, and working dog organizations.

The Petco Foundation has provided over $60,000 in grants to police and fire department with certified arson dog teams. These grants help with expenses related to care, maintenance, and annual recertification of dogs like K9 Kaimi.

Therapy, service, and working animals will be at Petco stores on Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. local time. Visit the Petco Foundation Meet a Helping Hero website to find participating stores.

As the nation’s largest homeowners’ insurer, State Farm is well aware of the severity and impact of arson on businesses and public safety. That is why State Farm funds the acquisition and training of accelerant detection canine teams. Commonly called arson dogs, more than 400 teams have been created since 1993. The teams conduct fire investigation in 45 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces and the District of Columbia. Outside of state or federal agencies, no other company in North America provides arson dog program funding.

An arson dog is one trained to detect and locate trace amounts of ignitable liquids. Things like gasoline, turpentine, and other flammable solvents are used to start fires. The use of arson dogs significantly aids law enforcement and fire investigation. Arson dogs save time and money by pinpointing sample collection locations.

Labrador retrievers are the arson dog breed of choice. Their curiosity, high energy, and tracking ability helps them quickly adapt to the training and socialization. Arson dogs are often “career change” or “second career” canines. They come from animal shelters, guide dog or disability programs and animal rescue organizations. Perhaps not suited for a companion or guide dog program, they did have needed skills for another job. In essence, these dogs have a second chance to serve their communities.

Being a dog's human handler is an enormous commitment. Even on days off or during vacations, they still have to train in order to feed their dog. Unlike a typical dog owner, these men and women can’t simply put down a bowl of food. Their canine partners are trained with food rewards. This means the handlers must run training drills multiple times daily to feed their dog and then document this training in detail.

For more information about the State Farm Arson Dog Program, visit www.arsondog.org.

Congratulations to the sixteen new K9 crime-fighting teams! Learn more about each of the teams below.

Captain Robby Simpson and K9 Sonny

Phoenix Fire Department (Phoenix, AZ)

Captain Robby Simpson is a fire investigator and medic with the Phoenix Fire Department. Captain Simpson spent 28 years on a fire truck before becoming a fire investigator and has always dreamed of working with an accelerant detection canine. This is his first canine partner and the fourth team trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program for the City of Phoenix. In fact, the first arson dog team for the Phoenix Fire Department was trained through the program 26 years ago in April 1993.

Investigator Jodie Grisdale and K9 Willow

Calgary Fire Department (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)

Fire Investigator Jodie Grisdale has been with the Calgary Fire Department for 12 years. She has been a fire investigator for two years. When she joined the Inspection and Investigations department, her dream was to work with an arson dog. In April 2019, her dream came true and she is now certified with K9 Willow. While this is her first canine partner, it is the third team trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program for the City of Calgary.

Inspector Joseph Cox and K9 Camy

St. Lucie County Fire District (Port St. Lucie, FL)

Inspector Joe Cox is a Fire Investigator/Inspector with the St. Lucie County Fire District in southern Florida. He has worked for the Lucie County Fire District for 22 years and spent the past four years investigating for the St. Lucie County Fire Marshal's Office. Prior to entering the Fire Marshal's Office, Cox was a Firefighter and Paramedic. This is his first canine partner and the first for the department.

Investigator Matt Huffman and K9 Shay-Ley

Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office (Jacksonville, FL)

Investigator Matt Huffman has been a Detective/ Fire Investigator with the State of Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations Division for a little over two years. He is currently assigned to the Jacksonville office but covers numerous counties in northeast Florida. Investigator Huffman retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 2016 after 25 years of service. This may be his first canine partner, but he joins five other certified teams with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office that are trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program. Since 1998, 23 teams have been trained for the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office through the State Farm Arson Dog Program.

Investigator Bobby Joe Brown and K9 Sasha

Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)

Arson Investigator Bobby Joe Brown is with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. He began his fire service career in 1991 as a volunteer firefighter before being hired full-time in 1995. He was promoted to Fire Captain/Paramedic and continued that role until 2004 before becoming Fire Chief of the Beardstown department. In 2008 he left the department to become a fire investigator. This is his first canine partner. Bobby Joe and K9 Sasha join seven certified teams actively investigating fires for the State of Illinois who were trained through the State Farm Arson Dog program. Since 1993, 22 teams have been trained for the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office through the State Farm Arson Dog Program.

Special Agent Greg Vespa and K9 Ross 

Illinois State Fire Marshal (Springfield, IL)

Special Agent Greg Vespa is with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, covering the Greater Metro East area of Southern Illinois, more commonly known as the East St. Louis area.

Most of Greg’s career has been in Law Enforcement, with some volunteer fire service and full time paramedic service in there as well. He joined the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office in 2006 and during his time as a special agent, has worked three other accelerant canines. K9 Ross is his fourth partner. Greg and K9 Ross join seven certified teams actively investigating fires for the State of Illinois who were trained through the State Farm Arson Dog program. Since 1993, 22 teams have been trained for the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office through the State Farm Arson Dog Program.

Search and Rescue Program Manager Lillian Hardy and K9 Misty

Indiana Department of Homeland Security (Indianapolis, IN)

Lillian Hardy has been involved in search and rescue since 1981. She started as a volunteer working with Civil Air Patrol in California and has served as a Los Angeles Chapter Disaster Assistance team member of American Red Cross; director and founding member of Illinois Search and Rescue, member of Midwest Search dogs in Indiana and has served as a regional representative for the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) and has worked as an EMT/Paramedic. Since 1993, Lillian has been a certified master canine trainer through National K9 training center and since June 2004, Lillian has been the Search and Rescue Program Manager for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. This is her first accelerant detection canine partner and she will have the entire state of Indiana as her territory.

Operator Ryan Percle and K9 Dakota 

New Orleans Fire Department (New Orleans, LA)

Operator Ryan Percle is a fire truck engineer with the New Orleans Fire Department and has been with the department for 21 years. While this is his first arson canine partner, his dog is a veteran. Ryan and his family took in K9 Dakota after her previous handler was unable to continue the program several years ago. K9 Dakota was trained through the State Farm Arson Dog program in 2015 and then again in 2019.

Captain Justin Shea and K9 Linus

Prince George’s County Fire/EMS (Lanham, MD)

Captain Justin Shea is with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and has been a member of the department for 14 years. He spent the first seven years of his career riding a fire truck and ambulance before joining the Fire Marshal’s Office, where he has investigated fires for the past seven years. This is his first canine partner and they will investigate fires east of Washington, DC.

Lieutenant Craig Matthews and K9 Sowell 

Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (Marriottsville, MD)

Lt. Craig Matthews has been with Howard County Fire and Rescue for 18 years. This is his first canine partner and the fourth team for Howard County trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program. Lt. Matthews and K9 Sowell are replacing the current canine team in Howard County, Lt. Carlton Saunders and K9 Jet., who will retire at the end of 2019. Their investigation territory includes Columbia and Baltimore City in Maryland.

Investigator Solomon Rosman and K9 Reeves

New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office (Concord, NH)

Investigator Sol Rosman is with the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office and has a lengthy career as an EMT, paramedic, police officer, firefighter, and fire investigator. Rosman began his career as a first responder while at college when he became an EMT. He spent several years as an EMT before moving to New Hampshire and becoming a paramedic. He also became a part-time police officer and worked for a few small towns before attending the police academy. Prior to joining the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office three and a half years ago, Rosman was a firefighter and paramedic for eight years. This is his first canine partner and the 9th canine team for NH SFMO. In fact, the NH SFMO has been in the program since the very first training class in February 1993.

Detective Michael Burns and K9 Dodger 

City of Pittsburgh Police Department (Pittsburgh, PA)

Detective Mike Burns has been an officer with the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police since 1993. He was assigned to the Fire Investigation Unit in 2000 and has been with the department Bomb Squad for the last 12 years. This is his first canine partner and they will be investigating fire scenes in and around the city of Pittsburgh.

Arson Investigator Peter Sword and K9 Wizard 

Providence Fire Department (Providence, RI)

Arson Investigator Peter Sword is with the City of Providence Fire Department in Rhode Island. He has been a member of the department for 27 years, spending most of that time on engine companies with a two year stint on rescue in between. He transferred to the fire investigation unit five years ago before being promoted to Arson Investigator. This will be his first canine partner and he will replace the retired team of Sean Reddy and K9 Tyler, also trained through the State Farm Arson Dog Program.

Lieutenant John Perry and K9 Sam 

Burton Fire District (Beaufort, SC)

Lt. John Perry is a fifth-generation firefighter who has worked as both a volunteer and career firefighter in his 30-year career. He is currently assigned as a Lieutenant on the busiest engine company in the Burton Fire District. Lt. Perry has spent the last 15 as a fire investigator and the past four years as a handler for Arson K9 Abby, who retired in April 2019. K9 Sam will replace K9 Abby investigating fires in the Bluffton, Beaufort, and Hilton Head areas in South Carolina.

Investigator Ashley Bowen and K9 Liberty 

South Padre Island Fire Department (South Padre Island, TX)

Investigator Ashley Bowen has been in the fire service for seven years, and with the South Padre Island Fire Department for four years. She has been a fire investigator for a little over a year now and was recently promoted to fire inspector. This is her first canine partner and the first for the department. Ashley and Liberty have a very large territory of more than 15 counties in southern Texas, extending from Brownsville to Corpus Christi.

Assistant Fire Marshal Chris Persons and K9 Pyper 

Hampton Fire Marshal’s Office (Hampton, VA)

Assistant Fire Marshal Chris Persons is with the Hampton Division of Fire and Rescue located in Virginia. He began his career in the fire service as a volunteer prior to becoming a career firefighter. He has been a firefighter for the past six years and this is his first canine partner. Chris and K9 Pyper have big shoes to fill. They are replacing Jesse Gomes and K9 Taylor, who have been investigating fires in the Hampton/Newport News area in Virginia since completing their training in the State Farm Arson Dog Program in 2008. This is also the 4^th team trained for the Hampton Fire Department through the program. The first team was trained in 1998.

Cato, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, joined the department in May 2017 after graduating from the State Farm Arson Dog program. The $50,000 cost for the program was sponsored by State Farm^®.

A year after her arrival, Cato’s partner and handler, Darlington County Fire Chief Ricky Flowers, says he can’t imagine life without her.

“There was a media blitz when she arrived, and arson fires have dropped 85 percent since she came on board. Cato did what we wanted her to do – cut down on the number of suspicious fires.”

But her role has expanded to be much more than an arson dog. Ricky says he is beyond amazed at Cato’s expanding role in the fire department’s public relations efforts.

When not investigating suspected arson scenes, the cuddly canine is seen around town promoting fire safety, social interaction and literacy to local students.

Cato’s recent visit to a local elementary school resulted in a request from the school for more State Farm-branded dog bone flashlights for a Cato-inspired pajama party and reading event for its students.

“We went to the school to demonstrate fire prevention, and the kids fell in love with her,” Ricky says.

In turn, Ricky was inspired by the request to expand the elementary school's literacy efforts.

“This year we’re trying a program where local elementary school students in every grade who read the most books get to spend the day at the firehouse with us,” he says. “We’d like to do it before winter break and again after winter break to give the kids something to look forward to and inspire them to read.”

Ricky says the pair have become local celebrities of sorts to students.

“State Farm gave us trading cards with our picture on them that we hand out to the kids,” Ricky says. “They’ve been a big hit. Kids come up to me in the grocery store to say hello.”

Kim Conyers, Public Affairs specialist, says the fire chief has developed a clever extension of the Arson dog partnership.

“Using Cato and the elementary schools in the area to morph safety education into promoting literacy is a great concept,” Kim says.

In addition to literacy, Cato helps college students learn more about sociology.

Ricky’s wife, Shannon, teaches sociology and criminology at Coker College in Hartsville, S.C. Cato visits her class to demonstrate her arson technique.

“I explain that Cato is totally unbiased. She doesn’t see suspects. She’s just looking for clues,” her handler says. “The students love the demonstration, and they also love to pet her. They ask if I can bring her back before exams to help them relax.”

Like the students, Cato relaxes in her down time. At home and at schools, she is a playful puppy.

Until it’s time to go to work. Like many working dogs, Cato’s personality changes depending on the situation.

“Her chests puffs out, and her mood changes. She goes from playful to working girl as soon as she sees me pick up the leash,” says Ricky. “When the leash goes on, her nose goes to the ground and she doesn’t care what else is going on around her. She’d ignore a T-bone steak. It’s like she’s got a split personality.”

Cato couldn’t make it as a disability support dog at Paws for a Cause because of her energy and curiosity.

“She is our first arson dog. Our original plan was to slow arsons down in the county because we were having a problem,” he says. “When I approached our administration to ask about getting a dog, I said I didn’t know what else the dog would be able to do. Now we see that she does so much more. She is the most valuable tool we have in the department right now.”

When duty calls, they respond. When faced with danger, they act. When emergency strikes, they come running.

And they always arrive…on four legs.

They’re working dogs. From police, to military, to search and rescue – their mission is to serve and protect others. While the situations and responsibilities differ, each pooch has the same purpose: Help those in need.

But what happens when these courageous canines need help? Tracy Spader of the K9 Defender Fund found an answer.

“I started the K9 Defender Fund in 2013 out of admiration and respect for the work done by military, police, search/rescue and fire dogs,” said Spader. “These K9’s and their handlers put their lives on the line each day and need to be protected if something goes wrong.”

As the mother of an Air Force Captain, Spader has a deep passion for working dog teams. She’s even opened her home to two military dogs, Buddy and Jig. “It’s a privilege to support the K9’s who work tirelessly to protect us,” said Spader. “No matter the circumstances, no matter the injuries, they’re determined to get up every day and do it again.”

A Kit Fit for a K9

That’s why, four years ago, Spader created the Buddy Bag. With the help of two veterinarians (one of whom spent time with the military), the bag contains supplies specially selected to meet the needs of injured animals.

What’s the cost for a first responder who wants to buy a bag?

Zero dollars.

“Many departments like police and military have experienced budget setbacks. So, the organization donates Buddy Bags to working dog teams in need,” said Spader. “When we provide the bags, I require every handler to give me a verbal ‘YES.’ That means they will work with their veterinarian so they know how to properly use the items found in the Buddy Bag.”

To date, more than 600 Buddy Bags have been donated to first responders in 43 states and areas where the US military is active. While Spader hasn’t heard from every department – she knows the bags are making a difference.

“In Kentucky, an officer and his K9 partner were assisting with an arrest. While stopping the suspect, the dog was injured. Luckily the officer had a Buddy Bag and was able to give aid to his partner at the scene. The dog has made a full recovery and is now back to work. Since that incident, the police department is committed to promoting the use of Buddy Bags,” said Spader.

State Farm is a financial supporter of Buddy Bag program and its commitment to assist emergency personnel. At a recent State Farm Arson Dog training, teams not only detected the presence of accelerants like lighter fluid and gasoline at fire scenes, they also learned how to use the Buddy Bags.

“Many animals in this line of work risk being burned through the course of an explosion, fire or accident,” said Spader. “Rescuers are taught how to administer oxygen, how to perform first-aid for injuries, administer lifesaving drugs and how to use other Buddy Bag supplies.”

So what’s next for Buddy Bags?

“We’re staying busy,” said Spader. “We want to keep supporting K9 units by providing adequate supplies. We’re continuing to fundraise and educate. After all, I’ve seen the difference these furry spirits can make in a person’s life. We need to ensure while keeping others safe, they stay safe.”

To learn more about the K9 Defender Fund or to donate, click here.

“Without a doubt, my fiancé Al and I knew Daisy needed to be our ring bearer,” said Erba. “She was the first dog Al and I had together. By caring for Daisy, we learned a lot about ourselves. She holds a special spot in our hearts."

But Daisy isn’t your ordinary pooch. Today, she fights crime in New York as a State Farm Arson Dog.

"Her ability to investigate and identify possible causes of fire is critical,” said her partner, Detective John Peters. “For example, Daisy discovered accelerant at a scene initially ruled an accidental death. The case became a homicide.”

So how did this loveable Labrador become a crime fighting K-9 and a ring bearer on Erba’s big day?

The journey began in 2011.

“When I was a college sophomore, I started volunteering with the organization Paws With A Cause,” said Erba. It trains dogs to help people with special needs.” An animal science major at Michigan State University, Erba says no one questioned her decision to care for a puppy. Or even bring it with her to class. But her biggest support system?

Erba’s then-boyfriend Al Heritier. "He was really cool with it. We raised her as a team," Erba smiled. That responsibility brought us closer together." As Daisy grew, her path to becoming    a disability assistance dog took a new turn.

"She displayed a different set of personality traits," said Erba. "Those qualities included her energy and innate sense of curiosity - which made her well suited to be a State Farm Arson Dog instead."

A New Beginning

Daisy and Maddy parted ways in 2012...but their relationship did not end there. “Al and I keep touch with Detective Peters and Daisy,” she said. “In fact, when we were vacationing in New York, we got together with them. It was a great experience.”

While raising Daisy, Maddy also created a Facebook page to chronicle their adventures. After Daisy joined forces with Detective Peters, he chose to keep it going. Titled, Daisy the Arson Detection Dog, the page shares fun and informative updates about their investigative work.

So, when Maddy and Al chose to wed on May 27, 2017 – they knew Daisy needed to be part of their big day. As an arson dog who serves and protects her city…it was only fitting she should serve and protect their rings. (Click here to watch Daisy walk down the aisle - People.com).

“She was there at the start of our relationship. Having her in our wedding signified the next chapter,” said Erba. “It shows how far Al and I have come and the bright future that lies ahead…not just for us, but for Daisy too.”

Bloomington, IL (May 2, 2016) — The National Interagency Fire Center reported 68,151 wildfires in the United States last year, scorching more than 10 million acres of land. A staggering 86%, more than 59,000 wildfires, were caused by people, whether intentional or as a result of human negligence. As the largest property and casualty insurer in the country, State Farm is actively working with organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to educate the general public about arson, provide law enforcement with tools necessary to investigate crime, and help communities prepare for wildfires. Prevent Wildfire Arson – Spread the Facts Not the Fire is the theme for 2016 Arson Awareness Week (May 1-7, 2016).

When battling a wildfire, firefighters must utilize a variety of resources at different stages of the fire to ensure the fire is out and the threat is eliminated. Fighting arson is no different and State Farm is committed to helping to provide the necessary resources so that communities are educated and prepared for a fire.

Providing Education and Grants to Help Communities Prepare for Wildfire

For the third year, State Farm is sponsoring National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day (May 7, 2016) with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) by providing $500 grants to 125 projects that reduce wildfire risk, advance general wildfire preparedness, and minimize post-fire impact. The 2016 National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Recipients are individuals and groups of all ages from 36 states.

Top 5 states for wildfires in 2015

1. Texas - 9,272 wildland fires that burned 184,418 acres
2. California - 8,745 wildland fires that burned 893,362 acres
3. North Carolina - 3,828 wildland fires that burned 15,220 acres
4. Alabama - 3,198 wildland fires that burned 47,380 acres
5. Missouri - 3,161 wildland fires that burned 29,893 acres

Training the Best Noses to Sniff Out Arson

As the nation's largest homeowner insurer, State Farm is well aware of the severity and impact of arson on businesses and public safety. To help law enforcement and fire investigators find evidence of arson and serve as a deterrent for future arsonists, State Farm began funding the acquisition and training of accelerant detection canine teams in 1993. Since that time, the State Farm Arson Dog Program has placed more than 360 teams in communities across the United States and Canada. Because canines have a superior ability to discriminate among scents, an accelerant detection canine can investigate a fire efficiently, providing invaluable assistance to investigators when it comes to locating potential evidence of arson.

Donating Vehicles to Police and Fire Departments for Arson Investigations

Many fire departments lack the necessary vehicles to efficiently and effectively investigate fires. This proves to be particularly difficult when departments are in rural jurisdictions. State Farm works with the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program to donate vehicles to police and fire departments so arson investigators can safely travel to fire scenes.

Recycled Rides is a community service program in which members of the National Auto Body Council collaborate to repair vehicles donated by insurance, rental car, salvage and auto auction companies to individuals and service organizations. Since 2007, over 1,000 vehicles have been donated by through the Recycled Rides program.

To raise awareness about the problem of arson and improve the ability of police and fire departments to investigate fires in rural and wild land areas, State Farm and Recycled Rides have already or will be donating vehicles to the following departments:

• New Bern Fire and Rescue in North Carolina for use by Fire Marshal Danny Hill and K9 Darby. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Caliber Collision in Raleigh, NC.
• Eastern Sierra Arson Task Force for use by Fire Investigator Jeff Schwing and K9 Remington throughout southeast California. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Caliber Collision in Fresno, CA.
• Ocala Fire Department in Florida for use by Roseanne Moreland and K9 Gracie. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Jenkins Collision Center in Ocala, FL.
• Maine Specialty Dogs for use by trainer Nicole Dyer to transport arson dogs to training. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Gerber Collision & Glass in Elkhart, IN.
• Beaver Falls Fire Department in Pennsylvania will receive a vehicle later this summer for use by Fire Investigator David Seidl and K9 Patty. Vehicle repairs and modifications are being made by Scotsman's Collision in Mt. Sinai, NY.
• State Farm grant for $9,850 to the Fire Investigative Strike Team of Fresno County (F.I.S.T.) to help purchase a vehicle for Fire Investigator Lee Wilding and K9 Tessa in central California.

The American Humane Association recognizes the importance of animals and and created the Hero Dog Awards to celebrate canine heroes in various categories:

• Law Enforcement
• Arson
• Service
• Therapy
• Military
• Search and Rescue
• Guide and Hearing
• Emerging Hero dogs

The event also promotes rescue dogs and the power of adoption. Several of the past hero dog winners have come from animal shelters or puppy mills yet their suffering has resulted in remarkable stories of perseverance and heroism.

The Arson Dog category, sponsored by State Farm, supports these celebrity animals. It also shares how arson dogs impact our customers and business.

Road to the Red Carpet

Rescued from an Illinois animal shelter in 2010, K9 Kai exhibited a strong drive to locate and recover tennis balls. That work ethic was a perfect fit for the State Farm Arson Dog Program. In 2014, K9 Kai and handler Justin Davis with the San Antonio Fire Department in Texas won the Hero Dog Award in the Arson Dog category due to Kai's nose and strong work drive. Video Tribute: 2014 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ Arson Dog Category - Kai

Glory, an arson dog with the Beloit Fire Department in Wisconsin, originally trained as a disability assistance canine but her high energy wasn't a fit for that program. All she needed was a career change to leverage her skill set.

Together with her handler Lt. Keith Lynn, K9 Glory uses her sense of smell to locate accelerants such as gasoline or diesel fuel that may have been used to start an arson fire. The assistance she provides to investigators increases the likelihood that if a fire was started intentionally, evidence will be located quickly and the arsonist will be charged with a crime.

Glory and her handler also visit schools and organizations to discuss fire safety, fire prevention and arson awareness. This education helps combat the growing problem of intentionally set fires. The team also emphasizes the importance of creating and practicing a fire escape plan.

Glory received the 2015 Hero Dog Award in the Arson Dog category because of her fantastic crime-fighting skills. This award brings awareness to a larger audience and gave Glory and Keith the opportunity to direct a grant to Project Paws Alive, a nonprofit organization that provides safety equipment to protect hero dogs like Glory.

More Tails Wagging 

Expect more great stories of triumph when the Hero Dog Awards airs on the Hallmark Channel on October 30th at 8 pm ET/PT and 7 pm CT. Don't forget your tissues! These dogs will tug at your heart strings and appreciate even more the incredible bond between human and animals.

To read more about State Farm and our support of all dogs please read,

• All Dog Breeds Deserve a Chance
• Insuring the Underdog
• Fire Dogs: Man's Best Friend, Arsonists Worst Nightmare

As a rural Kansas town deals with a tragedy, K-9 Tana and her handler, Kansas State Fire Marshal Chief Investigator Rose Rozmiarek, try to determine fact from fiction after a fatal home fire. Follow the story of K-9 Tana and other accelerant detection dogs from their training in Maine to careers and years of service in their communities as Arson Dogs.

LINK TO STORY