The Philadelphia Fire Department is sending off a pup whose keen snout sniffed out accelerants at hundreds of fire scenes over a storied career.
Chance, a black Labrador Retriever whose six-and-a-half years, "or 45 dog years" as the department tweeted, of scouring scenes for gasoline and other chemicals used to start fires, is scheduled to be honored Thursday at 2:30 p.m. as part of his retirement.
The nearly 9-year-old canine was part of the Arson and Explosives Task Force, which includes the Fire Marshal's Office, Philadelphia Police Department and ATF, and has responded to about 900 fire scenes in his career.
According to the Philadelphia Fire Department, Chance is trained to detect kerosene, diesel, gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid and lamp oil.
"He has a great nose," said Lt. George Werez, Chance's handler. "He's a great asset — he really is."
Werez, a 25 year veteran of the department, will continue to look after Chance.
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These partners-in-solving-crime are quite the pair. Deputy Chief Harry Bannan said that Chance and Werez have "been requested not only by the ATF for duties outside of Philadelphia, but by many other local police and fire departments."
Chance's nose and laid back demeanor made him a great asset, noting the time the dog found a still-intact firebomb more than 300 feet from a scene, Werez said.
"Chance never let us down. Without question, Chance is the best," Mark Monaghan, group supervisor for the Arson and Explosives Task Force, said. "We hope he enjoys retirement."
Hope you enjoy the smell of retirement Chance.
