The City of South Padre Island Fire Department has received a scholarship from State Farm to add an arson dog as a community and regional asset. The new, four-legged firefighter will begin serving our community in May 2018.
Accelerant detection canines, also know as arson dogs, are trained to sniff out minute traces or accelerants (gasoline,lighter fluid,etc.) that may have been used to start a fire in about 20 minutes.
“We are very excited about adding this great program to our community,” stated Doug Fowler, fire chief. “This team will be used to investigate fire, but also provide community outreach programs and education seminars on fire prevention and safety.”
This program cannot run long term without continued grant funding and donations. The cost of acquiring the arson dog is covered, but the ongoing costs of dog food, routine veterinary services, training aids, training props for the new 4-legged firefighter is still needed.
If you would like to help make this program a great success in our community please consider a donation today through
https://www.gofundme.com/spifdarsondog
