A new arson detection canine and an arson canine handler scholarship have been provided to Cobb County by State Farm Insurance.
Earlier this year, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) was notified of its scholarship selection into the Spring 2020 class in Concord, New Hampshire for canine arson handler and canine acquisition for fire investigations.
This information is from a Dec. 16 memo by Interim Department of Public Safety Director/Fire Chief Randy Crider.
The first in Cobb County, the canine would be used on fire scenes to detect the presence of accelerates and other materials in a fire investigation.
In May, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved a generous donation from a local citizen for funding to build a canine kennel and associated expenses.
The State Farm scholarship includes all training fees, acquisition of the dog, lodging during the training, certification of the K-9 team and transportation expenses to and from the training facility at the Richard M. Flynn Fire Academy.
Once the team graduates from the school, the annual maintenance, care and upkeep of the K-9 will be the responsibility of the department, including yearly recertification training.
Also, CCFES must purchase the light-duty pickup truck and all equipment for the safe daily transport of the canine.
The board agreed on Dec. 16 to buy the truck from Allen Vigil Ford for $43,209 and pay $17,000 for the associated safety equipment to fully outfit the vehicle.
While there have been some donations already authorized by the board for startup costs and other associated expenses, future expenses will be absorbed in the CCFES Operating Budget.
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