K-9 Section

K-9 Ben	K-9 Kim

The Investigations Section currently has two accelerant detection canines to assist in the investigation of arson fires. Our two K-9s have been in service since February 2005, when the teams were certified by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office and the North American Police Work Dog Association. These are the only two Accelerant Detection K-9 Teams in the West Texas area. When approved by the mayor, the unit responds regionally to other Texas counties as well as to New Mexico.
Detection K-9s assist the fire investigations section by quickly and efficiently searching a fire scene for the presence of flammable liquids such as gasoline. A dog’s unique olfactory capabilities allow the dog a greater degree of accuracy and sensitivity than the most sophisticated scientific equipment.

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