Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine and Handler Graduation
Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard is pleased to announce the graduation and certification of canine Jack and handler Investigator Don Lewis. Jack and Investigator Lewis graduated from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control course for Ignitable Liquid Detection Canine on Friday, May 13, 2022, at the NYS Fire Academy in Montour Falls, New York.
Two canines and handlers successfully completed the course. Jack, the canine, is named in honor of Canisteo Volunteer Firefighter Jack Kelley, who was killed in the line of duty by an intoxicated driver. Investigator Lewis is also the current Canisteo Volunteer Fire Department Chief. Jack is certified to identify over thirty ignitable liquids.
The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Steuben County Office of Emergency Management, investigates approximately fifty suspicious fires annually. Investigator Lewis, a certified Arson Investigator, is the lead investigator on approximately two thirds of these cases for the Sheriff’s Office. The addition of an accelerant detection canine provides Steuben County police and fire services with another valuable tool to use at these scenes, increasing efficiency while utilizing best practices.
Sheriff Allard thanks the Steuben County Sheriff’s Foundation for providing funding for all additional costs to train and supply canine Jack. Sheriff Allard also thanks the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for supporting this program and supplying this training and canine.
