Media Contact: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
Highly Decorated Arson K-9 "Misty" Passes Away
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| Arson K-9 "Misty" served with distinction from 1999 through 2006. |
Throughout her career Misty provided assistance on many arson scenes. In addition to her work in Prince George’s County, she also responded to assist the following agencies: Office of the State Fire Marshal, Annapolis Fire Department, Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Baltimore City Fire Department, Howard County Fire Department, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, District of Columbia Fire Department and several Fire Departments in Northern Virginia.
Most notably, Misty was instrumental in finding patterns that led to a serial arsonist that was striking the Washington, DC area. Through her training, Misty was able to detect the presence of an ignitable liquid at many fire scenes which was one of many similarities. As a result, a task force was created and a 22 month investigation brought to justice an individual that was responsible for over 300 fires. This collaborative effort was featured on an episode of Forensic Files entitled "Hot on the Trail" in which she appeared. For her work on this case, she was awarded several presentations including a Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department Unit Citation, County Council Proclamation and a Special Achievement Award from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Misty, a Labrador Retriever, was 13 years-of-age. Misty was originally a rescue dog in a pound before entering into the ranks of Arson Canine. Throughout her Fire/EMS Department career and after; Misty remained a faithful pet, companion and family member to Scott Hoglander.
From NBC 4 News
Celebrated Arson Dog Dies After Long Career
Thursday, May 19, 2011 | Updated 4:11 PM EDT
Prince George's County FD/EMS
Misty
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From pound puppy to fire department hero.
That's how Misty, a retired Prince George's County Fire/EMS arson canine, will be remembered after passing away earlier this week at the age of 13.
Misty was best known for her work that led to the arrest of a serial arsonist responsible for setting more than 300 fires. The department said that, through her training, she was able to detect the presence of an ignitable liquid at many fire scenes, which was one of many similarities. As a result, a task force was created and a 22-month investigation led to the arrest.
Misty, originally a rescue dog picked up at a pound, also served in many other counties across Maryland, Virginia and D.C.
She worked for the Prince George's Fire Department from 1999-2006 after completing an intensive six-week training program in Maine with her handler, Scott Hoglander. They graduated together and were certified by the Maine Criminal Justice System through a scholarship given by State Farm Insurance.
After retiring from the force, Misty remained a faithful pet, companion and family member to Hoglander.
From WUSA TV 9 News
Prince George's County Fire Arson Dog, Misty, Dies
3:16 PM, May 19, 2011 | comments
Courtesy Prince George’s County Fire/EMS- FILED UNDER
- Maryland News
- COMMUNITIES
- Laurel
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD (WUSA) -- The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department is mourning the loss of a beloved arson dog.
Misty served the Department for 8 years alongside her handler, Scott Hoglander, before retiring in 2006.
Misty became famous for her role in catching a serial arsonist in Washington, D.C in 2005. Though the fires were seemingly unconnected, Misty was able to detect an ignitable liquid at many of the scenes. This clue led to the arrest of Thomas A. Sweatt, who officials believe was responsible for as many as 300 fires.
The investigation was featured on an episode of Forensic Files entitled "Hot on the Trail" and highlighted Misty's role. For her work, she was awarded a Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Unit Citation, a County Council Proclamation, and a Special Achievement Award from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
In addition to her work in Prince George's County, Misty worked with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Annapolis Fire Department, and the Baltimore City Fire department, to name a few.
Misty had continued to live with Hoglander and his family after her retirement. She was 13 years old.
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