CCFD Introduces New K9 Addition

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD) has gained a formidable ally in the ongoing battle against arson, and this ally comes equipped with four legs and an extraordinary sense of smell.  Baisa, a two-and-a-half-year-old Labrador Retriever, is an accelerant detection canine and is the newest member of the CCFD arson detection team. Baisa utilizes her remarkable sense of smell to uncover crucial arson-related evidence. Following a rigorous four-week canine training program, Baisa will be an indispensable asset in our collective fight against arsonists.

Baisa has undergone specialized training to identify scents at fire scenes, enabling her to pinpoint potential arson-related materials, such as gas and oil. Arson remains a grave offense, responsible for the loss of countless lives and millions of dollars in property damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an alarming 280,000 deliberate fires are reported to US fire departments each year.

This initiative, generously funded by State Farm, has successfully placed more than 450 dogs in 46 states, spanning three Canadian provinces and the District of Columbia.

“I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to State Farm for generously providing Baisa to the Corpus Christi Fire Department,” Mayor Paulette Guajardo said. “Baisa's intelligence and unwavering loyalty are unique qualities that will significantly enhance fire investigations and prove to be an invaluable addition to our community."

All canine teams in the program undergo thorough training and receive certification from the Maine State Police, guaranteeing their high qualifications and readiness to tackle the challenges of their critical work.

For more information about State Farm’s Arson Dog Program, visit www.arsondog.org

For more information, media representatives can contact Public Information Officer Brianna Sandoval at 361-826-1655 or briannas4@cctexas.com.