K-9 Memorial
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of retired Accelerant Detection Canine Misty. During her 7 years of dedicated service, Misty worked in the Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations partnered with Detective Michael Douglas serving the South Central Region. Misty averaged over 100 calls for service per year and investigated 1,023 fires over the course of her career. She earned recognition as one of the most active ADC's in North America. Misty also worked in the community and schools on arson awareness efforts. She reached more than 11,000 students during her years of service.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Accelerant Detection Canine Amy. In 2005, Amy began her career with her partner, Detective Thomas Barron. She spent 8 busy years working active fire investigations and showing off at public events while her inseparable friend and partner worked his way up the ranks to lieutenant. In 2003, she retired from working active fire scenes but still enjoyed assisting with public education events. This was truly a loss and Amy will be missed by everyone whose lives she touched.
Ace retired December, 2010, after eight years of dedicated Service. He began his career with the Florida State Fire Marshal in June of 2002. During his career, Ace examined 256 fires. In one significant fire, he played an integral role that lead to five arrests on a residential fire involving the theft of approximately 150 guns. Ace had two handlers, Karl Morgan as the primary and Jason Roberts as the secondary. Over his eight year career, Ace's nose saved countless investigative hours by successfully finding the origin of fire at many scenes. Ace was always ready to go to work, even if he had been out all day and then getting called with just a few hours or minutes of sleep, spending all night going from fire to fire. After several years of enjoying his retirement, Ace died peacefully on June 9, 2014. The Taylor County Fire-Rescue lowered their flag to half mast in honor of his service to the community.
Savannah was one of the first State Farm sponsored ADK-9s placed in service with the Division of State Fire Marshal. She retired from active service in April, 2005, following an outstanding career. On March 13, 2011, an event was held in Bay County honoring all current and past law enforcement canines. Lt. Tommy Barron and his K-9 partner Amy attended this event in honor of his retired K-9 partner Savannah. During this ceremony, Savannah was recognized for her eight years of outstanding service to the State Fire Marshal's Office, Bureau of Fire and Arson.
Xena and her handler, Lt. Eric Saccasyn, were certified as an Accelerant Detection K-9 Team by Maine Specialty Dogs on September 8, 2000. During her career with the Bureau, Xena is credited with investigating 591 suspicious fires that resulted in 116 arson arrests. Xena will be best remembered for her ability to bark in response to Lt. Saccasyn when he spoke French and her ability to demonstrate a perfect "Stop, Drop and Roll." Xena retired on August 10, 2007, and lived with Eric and his family until she passed away in September 2011.
Buddy started his career in 1999 as an Accelerant Detection Canine. Captain Holt became the secondary handler in 2000 and in August 2002, Detective Gregory Gilkey became Buddy's partner as the primary canine handler. On September 26, 2005, Buddy received an award form the Broward County Sheriff's Office for his involvement in locating crucial evidence in a major case involving a barricaded subject. In May 2007, when Buddy retired, Lauderhill Fire Department gave Buddy a Life Achievement Award for the work he had accomplished with their agency. While in service, he was involved in over 350 fire investigations and the arrest and conviction of over twenty defendants. Buddy passed away April 25, 2010, at his home in Ft. Pierce.