Title
Authorization to Accept Donation of Accelerant Detection Canine and Training from State Farm Arson Dog Program (Ordinance S-45153)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to retroactively apply for, and accept, an accelerant detection canine and related training from the State Farm Arson Dog Program. The donation, if awarded, is valued at $25,000. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item. If not approved, the donation will be turned down.
Report
Summary
The Phoenix Fire Department Fire Investigations Unit utilizes accelerant detection canines during fire investigations to aid in the identification of locations of substances that may have been used during an act of arson. Samples are taken from the identified locations, and the samples are sent to a laboratory for confirmation of the existence of accelerants. Accelerant detection canines are also utilized to rule out arson, allowing a case to close or the insurance claim process to move forward faster.
To help combat arson fraud and increase community awareness of arson, State Farm, in conjunction with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and Maine Specialty Dogs, trains 10 accelerant detection canines and their handlers per year. The State Farm Arson Dog Program scholarship includes the canine, training fees, room and board during training, certification by a chemist and evaluation by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, and reimbursement of transportation for initial training.
In late June 2018, staff was notified that the Phoenix Fire Department was eligible to apply for the State Farm Arson Dog Program scholarship. The scholarship application period closed on Aug. 1, during summer recess. Donations will be awarded by Nov. 30, 2018.
Financial Impact
If awarded, the Fire Department would receive an accelerant detection canine and related training for both the canine and its handler at no cost to the City. The Fire Department has budgeted $10,000 per year for the working life of the canine, which includes ongoing training, care and maintenance, vaccinations, medications, and annual recertification.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was recommended for City Council approval by the Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee by a 4-0 vote on Oct. 17, 2018.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Fire Department.