Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis Welcomes Ginger, DFS’ New Accelerant Detection K9
7/12/2018
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.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis, “I’m thrilled to welcome Ginger to our team. I know she will be a valuable asset in the detection of explosives and save lives.”
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.
State Farm Agent Mike Hall, “State Farm is proud to continue to support law enforcement agencies and the fight against fraud throughout the state of Florida.”
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.