'They’re More Than Just Companions'

today visited the National Fire Dog Monument during its Harrisburg stop on a cross-country tour shortly after the Senate passed his resolution recognizing the increasing importance of fire dogs—not only as mascots but also as crime solvers.

“For centuries, dogs were a fixture at fire houses,” Solobay said. “Today, they’re more than just companions. They’re on the job detecting chemical accelerants and leading investigators to arsonists.”

Solobay, a firefighter and former fire chief, said the National Fire Dog Monument is a fitting reminder of the tradition of dogs in fire fighting, and also a warning to anyone considering arson because many are now known as Certified Accelerant Detection K-9’s.

“These dogs are becoming increasingly valuable in the fight against insurance fraud,” he said. “That saves homeowners money and putting an arsonist behind bars can save lives.”

The National Fire Dog Monument, sponsored by State Farm and the American Humane Association will be the first national monument dedicated to fire dogs and their human partners.  

The seven-foot sculpture—created by 22-year-old firefighter Austin Weishel—is making a week-long journey from Denver to Washington, D.C.

It stopped at the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in Harrisburg today before departing for Allentown on the way to New York. It is scheduled to arrive in Washington on Thursday.