Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis Welcomes Ginger, DFS’ New Accelerant Detection K9
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis announced the addition of the newest member of his Bureau of Fire, Arson and Explosives Investigations K9 Accelerant Detection Team. Ginger, a 2-year old Yellow Lab, will be based in the Panama City field office. She was obtained through a funding and training program in conjunction with State Farm Insurance.
Ginger joined DFS’ Accelerant Detection Team through Maine Specialty Dogs in Gray, Maine. Although originally trained as a dog for the blind, she showed exceptional skills for detecting explosives and her training shifted. Her handler, Detective Jim Stafford, has more than 15 years of experience working with Narcotic and Explosives Detection Dogs. Ginger and Detective Stafford certified as a team with the Maine State Police after training together for a month in Concord, New Hampshire.
The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations (BFAEI) 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 arson detection canine teams serves as a valuable asset for BFAEI, whose mission is to enhance the life safety of all Floridians.
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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).