Hall County Fire Department Welcomes First Accelerator Detector…

Hall County Fire Rescue recently welcomed its newest member.

Accelerant Detection Canine, Apollo, a yellow Labrador, has been training with the department over the past few months to become the agency's first participant in its new crime dog program.

The new program will allow dogs to assist the Hall County Fire Marshal's Office in fire investigations with faster scene processing and more accurate sample detection. It also aims to promote increased awareness of the crime of arson and fire prevention within the community, according to the department.

Apollo's training included investigating more than 100 fires, earning him certification as an accelerator detector from the Canine Accelerant Detection Association and eligibility to take on the role of full-time investigator.

“Having an accelerant detection dog can greatly assist fire investigators in locating the origin of fires that were started using accelerants such as gasoline,” the chief said. from Fire Marshal Michael Vieira in a statement. “This will help gather evidence and determine if arson was the cause of the fire.”

Investigator/Inspector, Lt. Cacey Henderson, volunteered to be Apollo's primary handler for the duration of the dog's stay in Hall County. Lieutenant Henderson was also certified as a handler by CADA and received training to best apply Apollo skills to a fire scene.

Apollo was provided by Blast Wingshooting Kennels, and Hall County Animal Services has agreed to cover all of Apollo's future veterinary needs. Overall costs for Apollo,

the necessary training and certifications were funded by the Friends of Hall

County fire fund established at the North Georgia Community Foundation.