Demonstration Event Supports National Arson Awareness Week

On Friday, May 12, 2017, six canines and their handlers will graduate after successfully completing an eight week Canine Accelerant Detection course at the New York State Academy of Fire Science. Following graduation, the six new teams have assignments supporting law enforcement and fire service investigation efforts across the state. Friday’s graduation and demonstration supports National Arson Awareness Week, which raises attention about the malicious act of intentionally setting fire to buildings and property. According to the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, arson is one of the largest, deadliest and most expensive fire problems in the Empire State.

Who: Six new accelerant detection teams, each consisting of a canine and its fire protection specialist handler. 

What: Demonstration of how the canines and their handlers detect the scent of common liquids associated with possible arson.

When: Friday, May 12, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. for demonstration. Formal graduation ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m.

Where: The New York State Academy of Fire Science, 600 College Ave., Montour Falls, N.Y., 14865

Notes: Media contact for this event is Bill Peat, Public Information Officer, New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. 518-605-8940. william.peat@dhses.ny.gov.

About DHSES

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and its four offices -- Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, and Interoperable and Emergency Communications -- provide leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.