In Grand Junction, Colorado, the states Division of Fire Prevention and Control relies on a team of skilled K9 dogs to speed up fire investigations and protect communities. These dogs, handled by expert Brian Eberle, detect clues that machines often miss, helping agencies across Colorado and beyond solve cases faster.
The Retirement of a Dedicated Hero
K9 ROTC served the state for five years from 2020 to 2025, responding to more than 180 fires and achieving a lab confirmation rate above 94 percent. His work focused on sniffing out accelerants in arson cases, which led to many arrests and held people accountable for dangerous acts.
State leaders honored ROTC with a special ceremony on October 8, 2025. Governor Jared Polis issued a proclamation declaring that day as ROTC Retirement Day, praising the dogs role in keeping Coloradans safe. Eberle shared stories of how ROTC narrowed down search areas in collapsed buildings, saving hours of manual labor for investigators.
This retirement marks the end of an era but opens doors for fresh talent in the unit. Officials noted that ROTCs nose proved more reliable than lab equipment in tough fire scenes, a testament to the value of canine partners in public safety.
Introducing the New K9 Team Members
Colorado now fields three active K9s in its fire investigations branch: Moose, Hiccup, and the newcomer Waffle. Each dog brings a unique skill set to tackle different aspects of fire probes, from finding hidden evidence to tracking scents in vast areas.
Waffle steps into ROTCs paws as the accelerant detection specialist. Trained to identify flammable liquids used in fires, she helps determine if arson played a role. Eberle explained that her sensitive nose can pick up traces even after heavy damage, guiding teams to collect samples for lab tests.
Moose excels in cadaver detection, a critical role in tragedy response. He locates human remains in rubble from structure fires or wildfires, allowing crews to focus efforts and provide closure to families. Hiccup handles tracking and trailing, following scents to suspects or origins of fires in outdoor settings.
These dogs work alongside human investigators, cutting response times dramatically. One handler noted that a single K9 with support staff can cover the ground of a full team in half the time.
| K9 Dog Name | Primary Skill | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Moose | Cadaver Detection | Locating bodies in collapsed buildings or wildfire debris |
| Hiccup | Tracking and Trailing | Following scents to fire origins or suspects in outdoor scenes |
| Waffle | Accelerant Detection | Identifying flammable liquids in arson investigations |
How K9 Units Transform Fire Scene Analysis
Fire investigations often involve sifting through charred remains where clues hide in plain sight. Colorado K9 units change that by using dogs natural abilities to detect odors at parts per trillion, far beyond human or mechanical limits.
Training starts young, pairing specific scents with rewards to build reliable responses. For example, accelerant dogs like Waffle learn to alert on gasoline or kerosene without false positives. This process ensures high accuracy, as seen in ROTCs long record of successful cases.
Local agencies in Colorado can request these K9s for free, making advanced tools accessible to smaller departments. The unit also supports out of state requests, fostering cooperation during major incidents. In 2025 alone, with wildfires scorching over 200,000 acres, such resources prove vital for quick resolutions.
Experts highlight that K9s reduce risks to firefighters by pinpointing hazards early. Their deployment in recent probes, like those tied to the massive Lee Fire, has helped rule out foul play and focus on natural causes.
- Faster scene clearance: K9s narrow search areas, allowing crews to wrap up investigations days sooner.
- Cost savings: Free service to locals cuts budgets for training and equipment.
- Higher solve rates: Accurate detections lead to more arson convictions, deterring future crimes.
- Community trust: Quick resolutions provide answers to affected families and rebuild confidence in safety measures.
Ties to Colorados Busy 2025 Fire Season
This year brought intense wildfire activity to Colorado, with blazes like the Lee Fire burning nearly 139,000 acres and becoming one of the states largest on record. The K9 unit played a key role in assessing these events, checking for human caused ignitions amid dry conditions and high winds.
In structure fires across urban areas, dogs like Moose aided recovery efforts after collapses trapped victims. Eberle recounted a case where Moose zeroed in on a scent in a two story ruins, directing dig teams efficiently. Such precision matters when every minute counts in recovery.
Arson remains a concern, with incidents like a September 2025 attack in Boulder highlighting deliberate fires threats. Waffle and her team now stand ready to detect accelerants in these complex scenes, supporting broader efforts to combat intentional blazes.
The units expansion in 2024, adding Eberle and the initial trio, prepared Colorado for this surge. Officials report that K9 involvement has boosted overall investigation efficiency by 40 percent in recent years.
Looking Ahead: Training and Continued Impact
Ongoing training keeps these K9s sharp, with sessions simulating real fire environments to refine skills. Eberle emphasizes the bond between handler and dog, which builds trust and ensures peak performance under stress.
Future plans include potential additions to the team as fire risks grow with climate shifts. The state invests in veterinary care and retirement support, ensuring long lives for these heroes post service.
Colorado residents benefit directly from this program, as it enhances safety and prevents repeat offenses. Share your experiences with local fire services in the comments below, and spread the word about how these amazing dogs protect our communities.
