A tremendous team effort across both city and private entities resulted in a new K9 Arson/Evidence collection vehicle, custom built to protect a valuable asset.

K9 Blue has a new ride!

On July 31, 2018 the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson and Counter-Terrorism Section (ACTS) received a new K9 Arson/Evidence collection vehicle purchased via a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The collaborative effort involving the Mayor's Office of Public Safety, Administrative Services Bureau (LAFD) Grants Section, Homeland Security Division (LAFD) Grants Section, ACTS, LAFD Supply and Maintenance Division and private vendors/contractors Lake Chevrolet and Johnson Equpiment of Perris turned the dream of a specialized Arson K9 vehicle into reality.

The LAFD has one of only two Accelerant Detection K9s in California.  Trained by the Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), K9 Blue and his handler, LAFD Arson Investigator Gus Gaeta, are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  K9 Blue and Inv Gaeta provide investigation assistance and evidence collection at fire scenes with a high dollar loss, fatalities, serious burns and fires deemed incendiary, suspicoius and/or of undetermined origin.  As part of the ATF National Response Team (NRT), they can respond anywhere in the United States within 24 hours.  

In 1984, the award of a Federal K9 resource through the ATF was a siginificant accomplishment for the LAFD.  34 years later, the LAFD continues to employ this capability and is responsible for the care, maintenance and transportation of the K9.  The new vehicle is climate-controlled and modified to hold a prefabricated cage to safely transport K9 Blue.  It is fully dedicated to the K9 and Arson Investigator's mission.  

This resource, acquired through the dedicated efforts of so many people, will greatly enhance the ability of the Arson/Counter Terrorism Section to effectively function, respond and serve the citizens of Los Angeles.

We offer our thanks to all those involved in this successful joint venture!