Brownwood Fire Marshal Buddy Preston and Nika the arson dog recently returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. for recertification and to attend the unveiling of the National Fire Dog Monument on October 23, 2013.
Preston and Nika spent 6 days on their trip to Washington, D.C., which included going through the trials of recertification, the monument dedication and a brief time of sightseeing. Arson dogs have to be recertified each year according to Preston. He stated that it has been an adjustment having a partner with him and that his area of investigation has expanded with the addition of Nika.“It’s been different having a full time partner,” said Preston. “We have worked cases in Brownwood, Brown County, Brady, and Mills County.”
Preston stated that using Nika has been very successful.
“We have worked approximately 84 fires since we returned from Maine (their original certification in September of 2011). Approximately 114 samples have been taken, with a positive success rate of 99.4%.”
He stated that Nika has a specific job and explained how arson investigation is done with a canine partner.
“Her job is not to tell me what substance was used, but to tell me where to take the sample,” explained Preston. “She shows me where to take the sample, I collect the sample and the Arson Crime Lab in Austin identifies the substance.”
The monument has the following inscription which describes the importance of K-9 teams such as Preston and Nika:
The National Fire Dog Monument was created to honor all certified accelerant detection K-9 teams for their service to the communities where they serve. These K-9 teams are committed to responding to extremely hazardous incidents to reduce the negative impact of arson in their communities. Their search for evidence to reflect the truth, and dedication to the safety of the citizens they serve is what they live for. The unparallel bond between the working dog and their partner is the key to their proven success. Many of the K-9s selected for this elite program are rescued from environments where their value was minimized. These working dogs remind us that all animals have incredible value and when given an opportunity can possess unlimited potential.
The monument was sculpted by Austin Weishel and co-sponsored by State Farm Insurance and American Humane Association. State Farm Insurance also sponsors the certification and recertification programs of arson dogs such as Nika.
Pictured above is Preston with the monument. Below is a photo of Preston and Nika at a previous event in Brownwood.
