OC Fire Authority Introduces Newest Member of Team – Freedom, the Arson Dog

(KNX 1070) -- People who commit arson in Orange County may find that it's now more difficult to get away with it. 

That's because of the newest four-legged employee to the Fire Authority's arson investigation team, Freedom.

His handler at #OCFA demonstrated how the canine "Freedom" is able to sniff out and detect flammable liquids as part of any #arson investigation. @KNX1070 pic.twitter.com/LMDdWpKgKo

Freedom is a yellow Labrador retriever who underwent training with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Virginia.

His handler is Captain Shawn Miller, who says the organization can use their fluffy new teammate in a variety of searches including buildings, vehicles, people, clothing or general debris. 

"If someone uses a liquid to help start a fire, Freedom can sniff it out during the investigation," Miller says. "Last year, the Orange County Fire authority handled more than 2,300 fires, 158 of which were determined to be caused by arson, and 58 people were arrested. 

The Fire authority says Freedom has already been involved in more than 20 investigations and has even helped put an arson and murder suspect in jail.