CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Swears In New Explosive Detecting K9
During today’s meeting of the Governor and Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, who oversees the Department of Financial Services (DFS), held a swearing in ceremony for Oregon, the newest member of DFS’ Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit.
Oregon, an 18-month old German Shepard, joined DFS’ EOD Units through Southern Coast K9 located in New Smyrna Beach. Southern Coast K9 is a recognized canine vendor specializing in training canines for law enforcement patrol work as well as canines specializing in scent discrimination for narcotics and explosives.
Detective Taylor recently retired his previous explosive detecting canine, Bella, after more than eight years of service and hundreds of requests for assistance with the detection of explosive devices and compounds.
The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is a law enforcement branch of the Department of Financial Services that conducts fire, arson, and explosives investigations as well as other related criminal investigations statewide. The use of explosive detection canine teams serves as a valuable asset for BFAI, whose mission is to enhance the life safety of all Floridians. Since July 1, 2017, BFAI has provided Floridians with an arson clearance rate of 41 percent. The average national arson clearance rate is 20 percent.
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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).