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Ohio fire department gets new arson dog

Dogs such as Gunther also add to the resources for fire investigations across Ohio and the State Fire Marshal’s team of four dogs

Chillicothe Gazette

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In October 2012, Chillicothe Assistant Fire Chief Steve Gallagher began forging a new bond that helped ease his grief and provides a valuable service to the region.

Steve was unsure in 2011 of whether he would ever train and own another arson dog. The death of his 11-year partner, Winchester, as the result of cancer was quite a hit to not only him, but also to his wife, Pam.

Aside from the emotions involved, having a dog who is trained to sniff out accelerants at fire scenes is quite a commitment. The dogs are trained by using a small bit of food as a reward when they accurately detect the scent of an accelerant.

Full story: Hot on the trail: Chillicothe Fire Department has new arson dog