State Mourning Loss Of Police Dog Who Worked Fire Investigations

CONNECTICUT — A popular police dog that not only investigated fire scenes, but educated the public on fire safety, has died.

Connecticut State Police over the weekend announced the passing of police dog Elmer, who was partnered with Det. David Collins of the Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit. Elmer was 6 and was laid to rest on July 6, due to medical complications, state police said.

Collins and Elmer were graduates of the Connecticut State Police 212th Accelerant Detection Class in fall of 2020 and had served the state for the past three years.

During his career, Elmer traveled across the state to assist at fire scenes, and, while working alongside our local, state and federal officers, is credited with locating "countless evidentiary items." Elmer also assisted in training fire investigators, as well as educating the public about fire safety.

"K-9 Elmer was loved by all and will be sorely missed," state police said.