Georgia’s arson-sniffing dog, Smokey, died Tuesday morning following a brief illness, the state insurance commissioner said.
The 11-year-old Labrador retriever began his Georgia career in October 2003 and was the state’s fifth arson canine, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens said.
“We’ll always remember Smokey as a valuable employee in the fight against arson,” Hudgens said in an online press release. “His death leaves a great sadness within the entire Department.”
From 2003 until his death, Smokey and his handler, Investigator Ken Palmer, were involved in more than 700 fire investigations around the state, Hudgens said. Smokey’s specialized training allowed him to determine if accelerants were used to start a fire, which allowed investigators to make numerous arrests.
Smokey’s final assignment was March 30 following a Catoosa County house fire, which was determined to be arson.
A successor for Smokey has not yet been named.
About the Author
