Fire News Maryland, July/August 2024

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall Story on page 14

Kentland Responds for 1st Floor Fire

Kentland Tower Ladder 33 was dispatched for a report of a building on fire.

See story on page 4

5 Displaced by California Fire

Upon arrival, crews found an active fire in a two-car garage.

See story on page 6

Conowingo Butcher Shop Fire

An early morning fire destroyed a well-known Cecil County meat butchering shop.

See story on page 10

4 Hour Fight in Salisbury

The Salisbury Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Gloucester Court.

See story on page 18

Townhouse Fire in Riverdale

Crews arrived to find a two-story town home with fire showing from one side.

See story on page 22

Anne Arundel County

FD’s Newest Addition

A26-foot Munson fire/dive boat is the first of three new boats slated to go into service this year for the department.

See story on page 27

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO

TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer

GARYP. JOYCE, Editor

MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor

MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production

GREG JONES, Art Director

CLIFFCHIESA, Production Manager

BARBARACONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales

SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager

BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant

LYNN SEDLER, Graphic Artist

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus

COPYRIGHT2024, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEWYORK. ALLRIGHTS RESERVED FOR MORE INFORMATION, (631) 776-0500 Advertising: Ext3, Editorial: Ext 281 or LI@firenews.com

Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions

Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ

Proud Member Of:

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY11713.

Industry News

Focus of the Month

Business Directory

page 23

page 24

page 27 Classified

page 27

Kentland Responds for1st FloorFire

Just before midnight, Kentland TowerLadder33 was dispatched as the search company to the area of Walbridge Street and Rollins Avenue fora report of a building on fire. While responding, the location was updated to the area of Rollins Avenue and WalkerMill Road. First arriving units arrived to a two-story detached dwelling with fire showing from the first floorin the 5700 block of Walker Mill Road. Tower33 was assigned Division 2 upon arrival and completed searches and checked forextension before assisting units in opening up on the first floor.

- Photos courtesy of Kentland VFD

NutterFork Stops Vehicle Fire

At 2330 hours on June 1, 2024, Company 13 (Summit Park) was alerted fora vehicle fire on Cox Street in Summit Park. It was quickly upgraded to have exposures concerns and Engines 71 and 121 (Stonewood), and 81 (Reynoldsville) were added to the assignment. Engine 71 staffed with three personnel responded in three minutes. Engines 71 and 131 arrived on scene to find a pichup truck

heavily involved with no exposures. Crews placed the 1-1/2 inch trash line in service and made quick work of the fire, scaling back the assignment to 71 and 131. Afterclean up and a brief overhaul, units returned home at 0023 hours.

- Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Bowling Green 2-Alarmer

On May 14, 2024, the Bowling Green Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire on Hazmat Drive in Cumberland. Crews arrived to find a 100- x 80-foot metal sided trash separation facility with smoke showing. Employees were using an excavatorto separate trash inside the structure when materials ignited. Employees attempted to use fire extinguishers to put the fire out, but were unsuccessful. The fire went to two-alarms before it was brought undercontrol. No injuries were reported.

- Photo courtesy of Maryland State Fire Marshal

5 Displaced by California Fire

On May 4, 2024, the Bay District VolunteerFire Department responded fora residential structure fire on Magnolia Drive, in California, St. Mary’s County. The fire was called-in by a neighbor. Upon arrival, crews found an active fire in the two-cargarage. The five occupants of the house were able to escape without injury. Firefighters brought the fire undercontrol within 45 minutes. The owners were assisted by the American Red Cross, as well as family and friends. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental. One firefightersustained minorinjuries during the incident.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal

Clendenin Fire Out on Arrival

On May 25, 2024, at 1406, Engine 22, Squad 2 and Utility 25 responded as automatic aid to Clendenin VolunteerFire Department fora residential structure fire on Lane Drive in Clendenin. Squad 1 arrived and advised that the fire was out.

- Photo courtesy of Pinch VFD

Truck RolloverMakes a Mess

On May 28, 2024, at 0406, the Kanawha Counties Stations 40, Charleston and Station 3 (Malden) were dispatched to Interstate 77 south at milepost 96 fora reported garbage truck rollover. Chief 3 arrived and advised the driverwas out of the vehicle uninjured but a large amount of hydraulic fluid and motoroil was in the roadway. Crews were on the scene forabout two hours to clean up the accident. Units that responded were CFD Engine 456, Unit 420, Malden Rescue Engine 33, Squad 3, Utility 3, KCEAA157,511 KCSD 103,25,98 & Hutch's WreckerService.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Spark’Scott, Malden VFD

2-Alarm Fire at Agricultural Business in Unionville

At approximately 1710 on April 14, 2024, the Frederick County Emergency Communications Centerdispatched a call fora reported building fire in the 8500 block of Woodville Road. Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue units arrived at Frey Agricultural Products to find a large mulch fire that had spread to at least one barn. Command quickly requested a tankertask force. As wind conditions worsened, the fire began rapidly spreading to otherstructures on the premises and a second alarm was requested. An aggressive fire attack enabled crews to contain the fire from encroaching on otheradjoining structures. One building and several pieces of equipment were completely destroyed and there was extensive damage to several otherbuildings. Waterwas supplied from a stream as well as being hauled in from a pond on Black Ankle Road. It took approximately five hours to contain the fire and crews remained on the scene overnight to monitorthe fire and additional units returned the next day to work at extinguishing remaining hot spots. Over100 firefighters from Frederick, Carroll and Montgomery counties responded. The Frederick County Fire Marshal’s Office handled the investigation and determined that the fire was accidental and originated from the mulch pile. Damage was estimated at over$1 million. - Submitted by Sarah Campbell

Cars on Rte. 25 HaulerIgnite

Alate morning fire destroyed two vehicles that were being transported. The fire occurred on the Abbott’s Towing lot on 1st Avenue in Nitro. Nitro fire officials believe the fire could have started due to an electrical malfunction. The amount of damage to the hauler

was undetermined. Traffic on Route 25 was partially affected while the blaze was being extinguished by Nitro and Saint Albans Fire firefighters. No injuries were reported. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

Conowingo ButcherShop Fire

On April 30, 2024, an early morning fire destroyed a well-known Cecil County meat butchering shop, causing an estimated $2.5 million in damages. Around 0545, firefighters were called to Galvinell Meat Company, located on Ragan Road in Conowingo, fora building fire. Firefighters from the Community Fire Company of Rising Sun arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof. Multiple fire departments, including around 50 firefighters from Cecil, Harford, Lancasterand Chestercounties, responded to the two-alarm fire, helping to bring the blaze undercontrol in just over

an hour. Ateam of Deputy State Fire Marshals determined the cause was an employee working when he first observed a fire within the ceiling area of the utility room. The fire quickly spread throughout the attic of the business. Galvinell’s is a USDAfederally inspected plant that provides farmers of Cecil County and beyond with custom slaughterof beef, lambs, goats, and hogs.

- Photos courtesy of The Community Fire Company of Rising Sun, and Maryland State Fire Marshal

Tankers Needed in Summitt Park Fire

At 1230 on May 5, 2024, Company 13 (Summit Park), Engines 71, 121 (Stonewood), and 81 (Reynoldsville) along with HCES were alerted fora structure fire at Harrison Recycling on Salvage Street in Summit Park. Engine 71 responded in two minutes. Clarksburg Engine 221 was in the area and arrived to a working fire in a singlestory commercial structure with heavy smoke showing. Crews placed a 1-¾ inch cross lay in service. Engine 71 arrived and placed a second 1-¾ inch cross lay in service to make entry from the rear. Tankers 7, 11 (Spelter) and 3 (Lost Creek) were alerted due to water supply issues. First-in crews made fast work of the fire with other apparatus supplying waterand manpowerforextensive overhaul. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Fully Involved on Arrival

On May 16, 2024, Nitro Station 80, Engine 853 and Chief 801 responded to a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, the crew found a passengercarfully involved with no exposures. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the blaze. There were no injuries and the cause of fire was unknown.

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

Kentland Responds for House Fire on Boosa St.

Kentland VolunteerFire Department Engine 332 was alerted to respond on box 17-02 fora house on fire on the 4700 block of Boosa Street. First arriving companies found a two-story Cape Cod with smoke and fire showing from the single-story rearaddition. Engine 332 positioned one block over, stretching through the backyards to get a line in service on the second floor. The crew checked for extension and extinguished hot spots before returning to service.

- Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD

Cover Story

2 Injured in Small Plane Crash in Hebron

Maryland State Police were investigating a single-engine plane crash that happened on May 26, 2024, nearSalisbury. Troopers responded just afternoon in the area of Log Cabin Road and West Road to the crash. The plane went down in a field. MSPsaid two people were in the plane at the time of the crash, a male pilot and a female passenger. The pilot was flown by State Police Trooper4 to

Shock Trauma in Baltimore. The passengerwas taken by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury fortreatment. State Police, along with the Salisbury Fire Department and Hebron Fire Department responded to the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation.

- Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

4 HourFight in Salisbury

On April 13, 2024, the Salisbury Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on GloucesterCourt. Crews arrived to find a working fire at the rearof the home with heavy winds fanning the blaze. The fire went to a third alarm, bringing in at least one piece of fire apparatus from every fire station in the county. Crews worked on the fire fornearly fourhours. One dog was rescued from the home and made a full recovery. The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause of the fire.

-

Fire News photos by Wayne Barrall

DriverPinned Outside Van

On May 14, 2024, at 1306, Kanawha County Station 26 (Sissonville) was dispatched to Winding Hills Drive in Area 26 for a Fed Ex van that had slid down a hillside, pinning the driverin the back of the van between a ditch and a tree. Station 26 advised shortly afterdispatch to add Station 3 Malden fora rescue and manpower. Units worked about 40 minutes to free the driverwho was transported to CAMC General with a leg injury. Units that responded were Sissonville Rescue 265, Malden Rescue Engine 33, KCEAA590,511,175, KCSD 41,47,90.

- Fire News photo by AC Bradley ‘Sparky’Scott, Malden VFD

2 Injured in Havre de Grace MVA

Firefighters from the City of Havre de Grace were on the scene of a MVAwith overturn on Level Road on April 1, 2024. Two civilians were injured and transported to the hospital by Harford County EMS.

- Fire News photo by FirstOnScenePhotos

2 Extricated on Route 13

On May 4, 2024, at 2037, the Salisbury Fire Department was alerted foran accident with rescue on Route 13 north in the area of the Shell gas station. Aparamedic unit confirmed one vehicle on its side with two occupants trapped. Rescue crews used theirRescue 42 struts to secure the vehicle during the extrication process. Crews were able to remove the windshield and access the occupants. EMS treated both occupants and transported one to Tidal Health Hospital in Salisbury fortreatment. Salisbury City Police were investigating the cause of the accident.

- Fire News photo by Wayne Barrall

Nitro & TylerMtn Handle Extrication

80, Engine

Department responded to a two-vehicle collision, that sent both drivers to the hospital. TylerMountain officials reported that the accident occurred on Washington Street West. One of the drivers had to be extracted by Nitro and Tyler Mountain crews. Kanawha County Sherrif’s Department was investigating the crash. The wreck closed the roadway for35 minutes.

- Photo courtesy of Nitro FD

Station

853, Chief 801, Captain 802, PIO 840 Tyler Mountain VolunteerFire

Fire Claims the Life of Harford County Man

The Bel AirVolunteerFire Company and surrounding fire departments responded to a reported house fire on Marshall Drive with someone possibly inside. Firefighters arrived within minutes, and discovered heavy fire coming from the home. Afterextinguishing the bulk of the flames, firefighters located a victim inside the living room. Ateam of Deputy State Fire Marshals and K9 Blondie arrived on the scene nearly the same time as the fire department and immediately began theirinvestigation. The cause of the fire remained underinvestigation. However, investigators have concluded the fire originated in the living room. While the Office of the Chief Medical Examinerwill have to identify the victim positively, investigators believe it to be the adult male occupant of the home.

- Photo courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal & John Gallagher/BAVFC

Townhouse Fire in Riverdale

On May 3, 2024, at around 0300, Prince George’s County Public Safety Communications began to receive multiple calls fora house fire in the area of 67th Court in Riverdale, Prince George’s County Police arrived before the fire board and confirmed a working townhouse fire. Truck Company 9 was dispatched as the search company, and Paramedic Engine 830 arrived to find a two-story town home with fire showing from side Charlie. Shortly after Truck 9 arrived and completed primary searches. Crews operated foroveran hourbefore returning to service.

- Submitted by Connor Shank

Kentland VolunteerFire Department

Members

-

Monongah Wins Award at Strawberry Parade

Members of the Monongah Fire Department traveled to Buckhannon fortheirannual Strawberry Festival Parade. Engine 102 received an award for“Best Equipped Custom Engine.” Special thanks to ourmembers and Chad with 5th Alarm Service and Repairfor theirinsight, design and equipping of the new engine.

- Photo courtesy of Monongah FD

ESO SOLUTIONS AND IAMRESPONDINGTEAM UPTO ENHANCE DATA-BASED SITUATIONALAWARENESS AND INCIDENT REPORTINGCAPABILITIES FOR FIRSTRESPONDERS

TWO PROVEN LEADERS IN EMERGENCYRESPONSE LEVERAGE DECADES OFINDUSTRY EXPERIENCE TO DELIVER THE BEST-IN-CLASS, CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

IamResponding announced a strategic partnership with ESO, a leading data and software company serving fire departments, emergency medical services (EMS), hospitals and state and federal agencies. IamResponding, a RapidSOS solution, and ESO combine the strengths of the premier incident alerting and situational awareness communication platform with the industry-leading records management system.

This partnership focuses on making a real impact where it counts the most, reshaping the dynamics of emergency response. The two companies’collaboration marks a pivotal moment in emergency services, introducing enhanced incident data capabilities that empower first responders to make better-informed decisions swiftly and efficiently. Customers can expect exciting enhancements to IamResponding and ESO’s offerings:

• Real-Time Insights forRapid Response:

With rich incident data from IamResponding including actual 911 caller location, health profiles, vehicle telematics, alarm information and more from over 500M connected devices and ESO’s extensive repository of critical information - including property details, occupancy status, pre-plans, hydrant locations and inspection recordsresponders get a clear view of the situation fast. This means quicker, more informed decisions that can save time and lives. The comprehensive dataset enables a more informed emergency response and assists mutual aid agencies, improving coordination and effectiveness across jurisdictions.

• Streamlined Incident Management and Permitting Processes: By leveraging the IamResponding community portal and ESO Properties, Inspections and Permits modules, first responders can streamline operations and easily stay compliant. This integration empowers users to easily tap into a vast network of resources and expertise for smoother workflows.

• Closed Feedback Loop forContinuous Improvement:

The collaboration goes beyond initial response efforts, as incident response data from IamResponding will be seamlessly delivered back into the ESO platform. This closed-loop system ensures that every incident contributes to refining future responses, enhancing overall

efficiency and effectiveness.

• Comprehensive Solutions forEmpowered Response: Together, ESO and IamResponding offer a robust toolkit for emergency response and department operations. From mobile dispatch alerts and real-time tracking to logistics management and fire-incident reporting, responders can access industry-leading tools that streamline operations and elevate performance.

When paired, the two technologies offer unparalleled reporting and data insights, comprehensive fire records management, seamless compliance for national and state-level requirements, real-time caller locations and apparatus tracking, interactive mapping and more for first responders. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to our customers and the first responder community at large,” said Eric Beck, President and CEO of ESO. “IamResponding is an innovative solution for our customers looking for real-time critical incident information, and further enhances their ability to improve community health and safety through the power of data.”

“This partnership with ESO marks an exciting milestone in our journey, but it’s just the beginning,” said Daniel Seidberg, President of IamResponding. “Together, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in emergency response technology, ensuring that first responders have the tools and enhanced emergency data they need for situational awareness in an ever-evolving emergency response landscape.”

The collaboration taps into combined decades of industry experience and cutting-edge technology. Today, IamResponding and ESO will focus on their core strengths while leveraging each other’s expertise to enhance technology features and make data even more actionable for improved patient outcomes. Both companies are committed to ensuring seamless integration and delivering unmatched value to their shared customer base.

of the Kentland VolunteerFire Department.

Photo courtesy of Kentland VFD

Nitro, St. Albans Hold Run forthe Wall Welcome

Every yearthere is a Run ForThe Wall event around the Memorial Day holiday that features over300 motorcyclists who ride from Ontario, California, to Washington, DC. This year, Nitro hosted one

of the stops along the route. Nitro (Ladder861) and St. Albans Fire (Ladder961) Departments worked togetherto create an archway of arrival forthe bikers. - Photos courtesy of Nitro FD

PATCHES

NFFFHosts 2024 High School Fire & EMS Cadet Symposium

to be Held in Detroit, MI on July 13 and 14

Join us on July 13 - 14, for this year’s National Fallen Firefighter’s Foundation (NFFF) High School Fire & EMS Cadet Program Symposium.

Learn from and be among colleagues specifically interested in sharing general information and effective practices with their peers from across the nation. This is the fifth event in a series dating back to 2019. Stakeholders from 22 states and the District of Columbia have joined us, spending two days learning from and networking with learning professionals, subject matter experts, and leaders of successful programs. Outcomes were impressive:

The NFFF is returning to Detroit, Michigan after a successful 2023 event. There is no registration fee to attend!

Attendees will experience a highly interactive agenda. Topics will address:

The fire service culture and what it means to cadets; First person success stories and why they matter; Expanding your program to make the students more marketable; Supporting a program from an administrator’s view;Mental health considerations for building resilient emergency workers; Strategies to reduce bullying; Reflecting society in today’s fire service; and NFFF training resources;

And many more informative topics! For more information and to register, please go to https://www.firehero.org/event/2024-high-schoolfire-ems-cadet-program-symposium/.

Funding for this program has been provided through FEMA's Grant Program Directorate for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program - Fire Prevention and Safety Grants

-Photos courtesy of The West Virginia Emergency Managaement Division

Beckley Fire Department (West Virginia)

Marlboro Fire Department (Maryland)

The Anne Arundel County FD’s Newest

Addition

to its Fleet

On April 25, 2024, Annapolis Neck Fire Station 8 put into service a 26-foot Munson center-console aluminum hull fire/dive boat. Boat 8 (BT8) is the first of three new boats slated to go into service this yearforthe department. BT8 is cutting-edge and will bolstertheircapability to respond to and mitigate emergencies on the waterways in Anne Arundel County. The new vessel,

designed fordive and rescue operations, is equipped with twin 150-hp outboards, sidescan sonar, and dive-accessible accessories. The new boat is capable of carrying seven passengers and has a top speed of 43 mph. Every response will have a minimum of two special operations-trained rescue divers. BT8 will be stationed off Thomas Point Road in Annapolis nearthe mouth of the

South River, allowing access to the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding waterways. Its shallow draft makes it conducive to accessing many of the county's smaller waterways. BT8 will be joined by two new 50-foot Metal Shark Defiant NXTfireboats laterthis year.

- Photo courtesy of AACOFD

New Medic Unit forCharleston

On May 29, 2024, at 1900, Charleston Fire Station 8 “Dogtown” welcomed home theirnew medic unit. CFD Medic 438 was pushed into the station to honorthe timeless tradition of the fire service. The ceremonial push in dates to the 1800s when crews returned from a call on horse-drawn equipment, and the animals were unable to push back into the fire station. This meant that the crews

had to detach the horses and physically push the equipment back into the bay. We would like to thank the citizens and leadership of City of Charleston, WV, fortheircontinued support. If you see Medic 438 on the streets of Charleston make sure to check out their specialized Dogtown license plate.

- Photos courtesy of Charleston FD

NutterFork Earns Award at Buckhannon Parade

NutterFort Truck 7 and Unit 74 attended the 82nd Annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival Fireman’s Parade in Buckhannon. Truck 7 brought home Best Equipped Aerial, Platform, orLadder award. - Photos courtesy of Nutter Fort FD

Deputy State Fire Marshals Recognized forLifesaving Efforts

Maryland Department of State Police Superintendent Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., presented awards for outstanding service recently. Two of those recognized were Deputy State Fire Marshals Timothy McDonald and Cory Hurst for their lifesaving efforts.

On December 12, 2022, Deputy State Fire Marshals Timothy McDonald, Kirby Travers, Christopher McIntyre, and Alex Chinn were having lunch in Salisbury. During their lunch, a woman entered the restaurant seeking assistance for her elderly mother, who was in medical distress next store.

The deputies quickly responded and Senior Deputy McDonald found the woman lying on the floor and immediately began CPR. The other deputies worked to control pedestrian traffic and assist responding EMS personnel. Once EMS arrived, they transported the female to the hospital. Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal McDonald was awarded a Lifesaving Award for his continuous and exhaustive efforts.

On January 27, 2024, Master Deputy State Fire Marshal and Bomb Technician Cory Hurst traveled to the University of Maryland campus from the Eastern Shore around 0800 for a bomb squad assignment involving a sweep and standby at a Big Ten basketball game. While

traveling across the Bay Bridge, he found himself at the front edge of a multi-vehicle crash in the heavy fog. Master Deputy Hurst maneuvered his vehicle evasively and managed to

avoid collisions. He notified the Centerville Barrack and requested assistance and began to assess and triage many vehicle occupants for injuries. He was told that someone ahead was suffering from a completely severed arm. Master Deputy Hurst found that a citizen had already applied a ratchet strap around the victims’arm, and they were applying direct pressure.

Master Deputy Hurst took control of the situation, properly applied his agency-issued tourniquet, and comforted the victim until EMS arrived. Master Deputy Hurst remained on the scene for hours, assisting in different ways. His professional and calming reaction to this stressful situation stabilized the patient until the fire department and EMS arrived. For his heroic efforts, Hurst received a Superintendent's Commendation.

The annual Maryland State Police Awards Ceremony was held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. It was attended by the award recipients’families, friends, and co-workers. Awards were also presented for incidents involving troopers and employees who went above and beyond the call of duty while serving and protecting the people of Maryland.

- Photos courtesy of Maryland State Fire Marshal

K9 TaylorJoins the Office of the State Fire Marshal

When K9 Sky retired in March, she probably hoped she could kick back and take it easy, but little did she know she would turn around and help show her new sister, K9 Taylor, the way. Taylor officially took the reins yesterday after she and her handler, Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Melissa Decker, graduated from Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) K9 Class 149.

Susquehanna Service Dogs initially trained Taylor before being procured by the ATF for the accelerant detection canine program. Susquehanna Service Dogs breeds, raises, trains, and places assistance dogs and hearing dogs, as well as facility dogs, to assist children and adults with disability to lead the lives they want to live.

With her unique skills, K9 Taylor has become proficient in detecting a variety of ignitable liquids such as gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinners, and many others. Her training involved over 10,000 repetitions for odor recognition and detection, making her a valuable asset to the ATF K9 program.

The journey to becoming an accelerant detection canine is challenging. K9 Taylor underwent an intensive six weeks of training before Decker joined her. Together, they trained for another six weeks, focusing on

methodology, fire chemistry, first aid, health, and wellness, as well as several investigative disciplines. Practical skills and team exercises were conducted in various settings, including vehicles, structures, humans, equipment, and fire scenes, to hone Taylor’s scent discrimination skills.

Taylor will join the agency’s other accelerant and explosive detection canine teams assigned to the Special Operations Section and respond across Maryland. With six teams, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is honored and privileged to have the country’s largest partnership of ATF-trained canine teams.

The Accelerant Detection Canine program is the only one accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board. The program provides qualified state and local law enforcement and fire service agencies with a canine and training for the canine and assigned handler, known as a canine team. To participate in the program, a state or local agency signs an agreement with ATF that details the responsibilities of both the agency and ATF. As of Friday, the ADC Program included 71 active canine teams working for 55 agencies across 27 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. - Photos courtesy Maryland State Fire Marshal