Sadie the Arson Dog
The rescued Labrador retriever Phoenix fire investigators transformed into a chemical-sniffing arson dog received her recertification earlier this summer from a Maine-based training group.
Sadie, the dog Phoenix Fire uses to uncover traces of gasoline and other accelerants at the scene of suspected arsons, was given a stamp of approval by trainers who certify more than 200 arson dogs throughout the U.S.
Capt. Fred Andes, who directs Sadie at the scene of many Phoenix Fire investigations and at the regular request of other Valley agencies, said this summer marks the first recertification process for the dog. The duo traveled to Maine in August to test Sadie's acute sense of smell.
Maine Specialty Dogs trains dogs like Sadie, who was found tied to a barn in Illinois, through a national program funded by State Farm Insurance Co. The program originated through a partnership with the Maine State Police.
Sadie began investigating Phoenix fires more than a year ago. Her first recertification test included challenges like identifying traces of accelerants hidden in one of many canisters filled with a mix of burned paper and other debris.
"It just goes to show how sensitive their nose is, that it can pick up the material in this container that had been sitting for a month," said Andes, one of nearly a dozen Phoenix Fire arson investigators.
Labrador retriever is the breed of choice for its high energy, tracking ability and ability to learn new skills.
Trainers check for arson dogs' enthusiasm and tracking abilities, checking to make sure their unique sense of smell is maintained over time. Some arson dogs will serve fire investigators for several years.
"(Sadie will) go through these cans and pick up the one drop they put in a month ago," he said. "She didn't hesitate. She sat right down and told me which one she wanted."
Andes and Sadie, who lives at home with the Andes family, are featured in a photo on the Maine Specialty Dogs Web site, www.arsondog.org
