Md. Office of the State Fire Marshal Canine Billie retires

MARYLAND – A four-legged investigator is hanging up his harness after eight-and-a-half years with the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal (MOSFM) Lower Eastern Regional Office. Accelerant Detection Canine Billie’s retirement was announced Sunday.

Billie and her handler, Senior Deputy Jeff Thomas, have lived, eaten, breathed, and worked together over the years, says MOSFM. After responding to over 400 fire scene, Billie and Senior Deputy Thomas have aided in making numerous felony arrests possible. MOSFM says Billie’s final investigations included an intentionally set care fire, and a dwelling fire concluded to be arson.

On November 24th, 2012, Billie was born. In April of 2014, Billie joined the team at MOSFM after graduating from the ATF National Canine Division. ATF canines use a food reward eating regimen, requiring them to be hand fed each day, according to MOSFM. Senior Deputy Thomas estimates has conducted 90,000 alerts during her career.

As Billie settles into retirement, Senior Deputy Thomas is returning to Virginia for a six-week training program Monday morning. He will learn his new partner’s name by the end of the week, says MOSFM.