K-9 Unit



Mission Statement

The Columbus Division of Fire is dedicated to the use of professionally trained canine teams. The commitment of the canine unit is to maximize each team’s potential, maintaining a level of excellence. The goal is to provide operational support to the Division’s Fire Investigation Section and Bomb Squad.


Function

Canine teams are a supportive tool, used to assist Local, State and Federal law enforcement and Fire agencies in locating the presence of either ignitable liquids or explosives.

Organization

The Canine Unit is assigned to the Emergency Services Bureau, Special Operations Unit. The Canine Unit is supervised by the Bomb Squad Commander and consist of a Back-Up Handler/Trainer, 1 Accelerant Detection Canine Team, and 2 Explosive Detection Canine Teams.

Canine Unit History

The Columbus Division of Fire’s Canine Unit was established in 1993. Through an innovative approach to the fire service, Columbus Division of Fire was one of the first agencies to utilize an Accelerant Detection Canine Team in the investigation of fires. In 2003 the Canine Unit was expanded to include Explosive Detection Canine Teams to compliment the Division’s Bomb Squad. Canine Teams are trained through the Columbus Division of Fire Canine Training Program. Built on a solid foundation of agency support, quality training and handler dedication, the Canine Unit has proved to be an important asset to the Division.       

Canines in action

 

 

Columbus Division of Fire
3639 Parsons Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43207-4054
614-724-0730