Western Maryland Welcomes First Accelerant Detection K9 in Two Decades

According to a press release from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Western Maryland has welcomed its first Accelerant Detection K9 in over 20 years. K9 “Quinn,” a black Labrador Retriever, and his handler, Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Adam Rounds, have completed a specialized 12-week certification program at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) National Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia. This new addition aims to enhance fire investigation capabilities and improve response times in the region.

The rigorous training program focused on essential skills for fire scene investigation, including scent detection, understanding fire chemistry, and implementing safety procedures. K9 Quinn was initially trained through the Puppies Behind Bars program, which prepares service dogs for roles with law enforcement and first responders. Quinn was one of five littermates selected by the ATF for accelerant detection training, a testament to the program’s rigorous selection process. The ATF’s scientifically validated training methodology involves exposing canines to six classifications of ignitable liquids, with Quinn having undergone thousands of repetitions to master scent recognition and detection using food and praise as positive reinforcement. This sophisticated training equips Quinn to serve as a precise investigative tool, aiding in the determination of fire origins and causes.

The strategic placement of K9 Quinn in Western Maryland is expected to significantly decrease the time required for fire investigations, as authorities previously relied on K9 units stationed in areas like Baltimore or even further afield. Senior Deputy Rounds and K9 Quinn are now part of an elite group, joining only 77 certified ATF-trained accelerant detection teams across the United States. They are now integrated into the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s extensive network of ATF-trained canines, which is recognized as the largest partnership of its kind in the country.

The Puppies Behind Bars program, established in 1997, fosters a unique collaboration with correctional institutions. Inmates raise and train service dogs over approximately two years, cultivating obedience, focus, and adaptability before the dogs are transitioned to specialized service programs. This initiative not only yields highly skilled working dogs but also provides incarcerated individuals with opportunities for personal growth, including developing a sense of responsibility, empathy, and purpose.

With the integration of K9 Quinn, the Office of the State Fire Marshal now operates six ATF-certified Accelerant and Explosive Detection Canine teams, strategically positioned throughout Maryland. These teams are committed to daily training to maintain their certification and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring readiness for any incident. This expansion of the canine program underscores the state’s commitment to strengthening its investigative resources and ensuring thorough examinations of fire incidents.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of the State Fire Marshal

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