County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service's new canine recruit has joined the team earlier this week. The ten-month-old Springer Spaniel pup has been drafted in as an apprentice for current Fire investigation dog, Woodie.
Just like his more experienced colleague, Twix has undergone a vetting and selection process, ensuring the right temperament and skills for this highly specialist work.
Once trained, Twix is due to join the ranks of other fire investigation dogs who are specially trained to detect ignitable liquids – commonly referred to as accelerants – which include liquids such as petrol, white spirit, and lighter fluid.
Chief fire officer Stuart Errington said: “There are a couple of reasons we have these dogs. First of all, when we’re trying to tackle arson, which is a growing problem not just in Durham but across our region, we need to work out whether there’s evidence of it being an accidental fire or a deliberate one.
“The other is that they help us get our vital safety messages out, especially to children, and they go to a lot of school events and fetes.
Divisional Manager and Handler Colin Davis said: "We're delighted to welcome Twix into the Service to aide Woodie with his work. Despite being only ten months old, Twix is already showing massive potential and is progressing well in his training.
"I'm sure he'll follow the lead of Woodie, who is held in such high esteem by all who meet him and are fortunate to see him at work. We have every hope that Twix will be another great asset to the fire service."
“Twix will be put through a really demanding course because the evidence they find might be used in court for a criminal conviction. But I am sure he is well up for the challenge.”
Twix will undertake his final qualifying exam towards the back end of the year, so keep your eyes peeled for more updates on some of Twix’s training in the coming months.
