Tony

Obtained from Maine Specialty Dogs, food reward canine therefore Tony is always with the family, even on vacation! Upon the unfortunate passing of Battalion Chief (Ret.) Jim Pasley’s first partner, Izzo, State Farm Insurance provided funding for the training of his second partner Tony.

Jim and Tony received over 200 hrs. of training provided by Maine Specialty Dogs in New Hampshire. Upon completion of their training, the team was certified as an accelerant detection canine team.

Tony is a 7-year-old black labrador retriever. He possesses the typical lab energy which was perfect for the job requirements. He wanted to work, did so with great energy and excitement, and produced excellent results.

At the time of their service Tony was the only active certified accelerant detection canine in the State of Missouri.

The team was called to work at all hours of the day throughout the State of Missouri providing support and expertise to both local and state law enforcement agencies. Tony’s work provided crucial evidence that was utilized in numerous cases.

Now retired, Tony lives at home with his family. His work is done therefore he gets the opportunity to just be a dog. He still has the drive and energy and loves to run free off leash for hours.

Information provided by State Farm:

Since 1993, the State Farm Arson Dog Program has provided funding for the acquisition and training of more than 435 teams across the United States and Canada. Each year billions of dollars in property and hundreds of lives are lost as a result of intentionally set fires. Accelerant detection canines — known as arson dogs — are trained to sniff out minute traces of accelerants (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) that may have been used to start a fire. They live and ultimately retire in the homes of their human handlers, who are either law enforcement or firefighting professionals.

All of the dogs chosen for the State Farm Arson Dog Program are Labrador retrievers or Lab mixes that are acquired through a cooperative program with guide dog and disability assistance canine organizations (as well as through local animal shelters and humane societies). As a result of their high energy and social exuberance, these dogs are career-changed from disability assistance service to crime fighting.