(Courtesy of State Farm)
Crown Point Fire Rescue announces the arrival of K-9 Sophie, the first arson dog in the department’s history and currently the only active accelerant detection canine in Northwest Indiana. K-9 Sophie and her handler Fire Investigator Todd Bennett spent four weeks in Maine with the State Farm Arson Dog Program training, and the two will investigate fires in Crown Point and the Region. There are 87 active and certified teams in North America trained through the program including Bennett and K-9 Sophie. Crown Point Fire Rescue says Sophie joined the ranks of the department just in time for Arson Awareness Week which is this week. The two have already investigated fires in Northwest Indiana and demonstrated their skills Thursday morning during an Arson Awareness Week demonstration for city leadership and local State Farm representatives, including State Farm agent Mark Jonas, State Farm agent Michelle Brown and Katherine Hufnagl, a team member for State Farm agent Dominic Candeloro.
(Courtesy of State Farm)
“In Crown Point, we put a paramount on public safety. Our public safety officials do a fantastic job protecting and serving our community — this just adds to it,” Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said. “This is a regional tool. Arson detection dogs are rare, not only will K-9 Sophie and Fire Investigator Bennett help the citizens of Crown Point, but we can assist the Region. I can’t thank State Farm enough, you guys do a fantastic job. This is such a great program.”
(Courtesy of State Farm)
The city says K-9 Sophie was funded through a $25,000 grant from State Farm. The grant paid for training for both Bennett and K-9 Sophie, travel expenses, food and lodging. Bennett and K-9 Sophie were the only graduates from Indiana. Bennett also has received donations from local businesses for K-9 Sophie, including Austgen, Kuiper, Jasaitis P.C.; Balemaster; D&L Wood Products, Inc.; Diamond Peak Homes; Macqueen Emergency; and Willy Works.
“I have been investigating fires since 2014,” Firefighter/Paramedic Bennett said. “I became a firefighter to help others in need and working with K-9 Sophie takes that mission to a new level. While our work is fire-related, we will be able to see both sides of the call. In addition to putting out fires, we can also help catch those responsible for intentionally setting fires. It’s a win-win.”
(Courtesy of State Farm)
Bennett joined Crown Point Fire Rescue in February 2017. Previously, he served with the Mill Township Fire Department in Marion, Indiana. He is a graduate of the University of Saint Francis Crown Point paramedic school. The 2½-year-old English Labrador retriever is the second canine currently a part of the department’s ranks.
“We feel law enforcement officials should have every tool possible to combat this costly — and sometimes deadly — crime,” said Heather Paul, National Arson Dog Program Coordinator for State Farm. “These K-9s enable investigators to do their job more efficiently and effectively. The scope of arson goes beyond impacting insurance companies — it affects the personal and financial well-being of us all. Training dogs to detect accelerants at fire scenes saves time and money in arson investigations.”
Since 2019, Crown Point Fire Rescue has responded to 204 structure fires, averaging around 50 per year in Crown Point. “We are proud of Firefighter Bennett for seeking out this program and undergoing rigorous training,” said Crown Point Fire Chief Mark Baumgardner Jr. “Sophie is a great addition to our Crown Point Fire Rescue family. We are excited to expand our skills and add another resource to our toolbox we can use to keep the Crown Point community safe.”
For more information about the Arson Dog Program visit www.arsondog.org .
