The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service proudly introduced Scooby, its new ATF-trained arson investigations dog, on May 3.
“With respect to all those present and members of the WFPS, today we have the cutest, for sure, member of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said at a public event introducing the 1½ year old yellow Labrador retriever. “He’s a beautiful-looking dog, he really is. Really glad to have Scooby on board.”
Scooby is the first dog of his kind in Canada, having completed six months of intensive training under the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Canine Division Accelerant Detection program in Front Royal, Virginia. He graduated a week before being introduced here in Winnipeg, and with a reg# of 2819, he’s now the most junior roomie in the department.
“Scooby will provide a significant advantage to our Fire Investigations Branch, providing advanced detection that allows investigators to collect compelling evidence,” said Christian Schmidt, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief.
Scooby’s arrival marks a significant enhancement in the city’s efforts to combat arson, which remains a pressing issue in Winnipeg. The city has been experiencing a high rate of fires, particularly in vacant and derelict buildings. In 2022 the Winnipeg Police Service reported 452 arson cases.
The introduction of Scooby is expected to help reduce these numbers by expediting the evidence-gathering process and enhancing arson deterrence initiatives.
In addition to his investigative duties, Scooby will help raise awareness about fire safety and arson prevention. The WFPS anticipates that jurisdictions equipped with arson dogs like Scooby will see a decrease in arson incidents and an increase in successful prosecutions.
Scooby’s deployment is a collaborative effort between the WFPS and the ATF Attaché to Canada at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. His presence underscores the commitment of Winnipeg’s fire and paramedic services to leverage innovative solutions in safeguarding the community.
“We (now) have another tool to help us locate areas where we can collect evidence and gather data to support our conclusions,” said Fire Investigations Chief Officer Jason Fedoriw.
