'Raise Your Paw And Repeat After Me;' Fire Detection Dog Sworn In

CLEARWATER, FL -- A new fire inspector and 12 new fire medics were sworn in Monday afternoon, June 18, by the Clearwater City Council. But it was the latest four-legged recruit that stole the show.

Sophia, a 14-month-old Labrador/bloodhound mix that recently graduated from the Florida Canine Academy, was sworn in as a Clearwater Fire & Rescue accelerant detection canine.

Her keen ability to sniff out accelerants used to set fires made her a perfect candidate to help firefighters determine the origins of suspicious fires.

She eagerly accepted the honor Monday by placing her two front paws on the city council dais, silently acknowledging her commitment to uphold her duties as a member of the Clearwater Fire & Rescue. She followed up her swearing-in by giving City Manager Bill Horne an unorthodox kiss of gratitude.

Accelerant detection canine are vital members of fire rescue teams, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

They are trained to sniff out minute traces of ignitable liquid accelerants that may have been used to start a fire. The canines are chosen specifically for their ability to recognize odors. Their intense training includes repeated exposure to ignitable liquid odors while learning to ignore other odors present at the scene of a fire.

When they detect an accelerant, they're trained to point their noise at the location of the accelerant or pat their paws at the accelerant.

Once the dogs prove themselves, they are certified to work with fire rescue units, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and insurance inspectors.

During her tenure as an accelerant detection canine, Sophia will live around the clock with her handler, Fire Inspector Walter Ramos.

Images via Clearwater Fire & Rescue/Rob Shaw

Sophia gives a kiss of gratitude to City Manager Bill Horne.

Sophia, accompanied by her handler, Fire Inspector Walter Ramos, swears to City Councilman David Albritton to do her duty as a member of Clearwater Fire & Rescue.

Clearwater's new accelerant detection dog dutifully thanks each member of the city council for her assignment to Clearwater Fire & Rescue. Here she is shown with Councilman Bob Cundiff.