Announcement of the Passing of Arson Bureau K9 Emma

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From NYS OFPC:

Announcement of the Passing of Arson Bureau K9 Emma ~ October 7, 2009

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention & Control Arson Bureau regretfully announces the passing of Accelerant Detection K9 Emma. Emma, a 10 year old mixed lab, was assigned shield# K5 as the NYS Department of States fifth K9 Unit. Partnered with Arson Bureau Investigator Richard Daus they began their mission as a K9 Team in 2001 upon graduating from the 300 hour basic K9 Training Program at the Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls, N.Y. Over their career as an Accelerant Detection K9 Team, Richie and Emma conducted 1231 canine searches, assisting fire and law enforcement agencies throughout the state through the investigation of high dollar loss fires, fires of unusual circumstances and fires with fatalities to include the heinous crime of arson homicides. In addition to aiding in the investigation of fires, K9 Emma was also a prominent figure as the team delivered fire prevention and investigation programs. At the age of 5, Emma was diagnosed with a hereditary kidney disease for which a treatment plan was developed and successful until the past few weeks when the illness became debilitating. Upon behalf of State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison we extend our deepest of sympathy to Investigator Daus and his family at this difficult time in the loss of his partner and our comrade as there is no stronger bond that that of the professional K9 Handler to their partner and of the team to their mission.

Randi W. Shadic

Arson Bureau Deputy Chief

Office of Fire Prevention & Control

99 Washington Ave.

Albany, New York 12231

(518) 474-6746 office, (518) 402-3196 fax