Seattle Fire Department obtained Henny the Arson Dog through a partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF). As part of the ATF's National Response Team, Henny and her handler can be deployed for major incidents anywhere in the country. Seattle was chosen to fill one of eight spots in the Accelerant Detection Canine Program which is funded by the ATF.

The ATF's Canine Branch trains only Labrador Retrievers as Accelerant Detection Dogs because they are hearty, intelligent, readily adapt to changing environments and possess a non-aggressive disposition.

When a guide dog prospect doesn't make the cut at guide dog school, the ATF will often evaluate the dog for the possibility of Bomb and Accelerant work. Henny's drive to sniff EVERYTHING seemed to make her a perfect candidate for the Accelerant Detection Canine Program.

Captain Steve Baer, of the Fire Prevention Division's Fire Investigation Unit, was the driving force behind Seattle's partnership with ATF in this program. His personal dedication to the project is illustrated in his living and training with Henny 365 days a year.

The program is also supported by local businesses and organizations who see arson as a threat to Seattle's quality of life. Through donations, these partners help provide this specialized arson busting team to agencies across the region.

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Last Modified:   May 01, 2009