Evansville Fire Department Expands Fire Investigation Team and Officially Swears In K-9 Indie

Evansville Fire Department via Facebook

Evansville Fire Department Expands Fire Investigation Team

The Evansville Fire Department is continuing to strengthen its Fire Investigation Bureau, and one of their newest "team members" stole the spotlight during a recent ceremony.

The department is expanding its team of dual-authority fire investigators while also celebrating the official swearing-in of its Ignitable Liquid Detection K-9, Indie.

Evansville Fire Department via Facebook

More Fire Investigators Will Receive Dual Authority

Earlier this year, the Evansville Fire Department announced that members of its Fire Investigation Bureau would begin serving as both firefighters and sworn law enforcement officers.

Now, that initiative is growing. Moving forward, additional members of the bureau will attend the police academy and earn the same dual authority.

The added training allows investigators to do more than determine the cause and origin of fires. It also gives them the authority to pursue criminal enforcement when necessary and work alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

According to the department, expanding the program strengthens its ability to investigate suspicious fires and hold those responsible accountable when criminal activity is involved.

Evansville Fire Department via Facebook

Meet Indie, the Four-Legged Fire Investigator

While the announcement focused on public safety, one special recruit stole the show.

During a recent swearing-in ceremony, the department's Ignitable Liquid Detection K-9, Indie, was officially sworn in alongside her handler, Investigator Moore.

It's safe to say Indie was the star of the ceremony.

Indie is specially trained to detect ignitable liquids that may have been used to start a fire. That unique skill helps investigators locate evidence more quickly and accurately, making her an important part of the Fire Investigation Bureau.

Evansville Fire Department via Facebook

A Stronger Team for Evansville

From expanding the number of dual-authority investigators to adding highly trained K-9 resources like Indie, the Evansville Fire Department continues to invest in new ways to protect our community.

Whether it's investigating the cause of a fire or helping bring those responsible to justice, these additions give the department even more resources to keep Evansville safe.

Have you ever seen a working fire investigation K-9 in action? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share this story with someone who loves seeing the amazing work our local first responders do.

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