LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) – After five years of searching for evidence at fire scenes across Colorado, the state’s arson evidence dog is officially retiring from service.
ROTC, yellow Labrador retriever, I worked alongside fire investigators With the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control. The department says he has assisted in more than 180 fire investigations, discovering accelerants such as gasoline, diesel and lighter fluid.
“They are an invaluable asset when it comes to our investigations,” said Brian Eberle, ROTC instructor and fire investigator.
The ROTC nose gave investigators a significant advantage, as they were able to detect even trace amounts of fuel within minutes, a task that would take human investigators hours.
With an estimated success rate of 94%, ROTC has played a key role in cases ranging from wildfires to house fires. But now, at eight years old, he’s ready to relax at home with Eberle.
“He’ll come home and now he can eat out of a food bowl like a normal dog,” Eberly said. “And just enjoy himself sitting on the deck, enjoying the beautiful Colorado sun.”
ROTC leaves big paws to fill, but a new detection dog is already stepping in. Waffle, a 2-year-old Labrador, recently completed training with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National K-9 Division and is already assisting with investigations.
During a training demonstration on Tuesday, Waffle recognized a drop of gasoline in a grassy field, and received a treat as a reward.
“It’s a huge game for them,” Eberle said. “Since they are food reward dogs, once they find what they are looking for, they know the reward is coming.”
Any local fire department in Colorado can request Waffle’s assistance at no cost to the agency, Eberly said.