Meet the 3 new dogs hired to investigate Colorado fires

DENVER (KDVR) — The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control announced Monday that it had hired a handler and three new K-9s to its Fire Investigations Branch.

The three dogs, ROTC, Hiccup and Moose, are specialized in detecting ignitable liquid, tracking/trailing and detecting the scent of decomposing human bodies.

Their handler, Brian Eberle, has worked in the fire service for 21 years and has been training and working with K-9s since 2007. Eberle and his dogs have assisted several law enforcement agencies on arson, homicide and missing person cases.

“It’s all hands – and paws – on deck to better protect Coloradans and our communities this fire season and we are excited to welcome ROTC, Hiccup, Moose and their handler Brian, to the team,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a release.

ROTC

ROTC — pronounced “Rotsy” — is a 7-year-old yellow Labrador retriever who has worked since 2020. According to a release, he has assisted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and the FBI on a number of fires.

He has been certified by the Maine State Police as an ignitable liquid detection canine.

Hiccup

Hiccup is a 3-year-old Bloodhound trained in tracking and trailing as well as decomposing human scent detection.

He has been working since 2022 and has volunteered his time as a K-9 resource with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and NecroSearch International.

Moose

Moose is a 3-year-old German shepherd trained in detecting the scent of decomposing humans.

He has been working since 2022 and has also volunteered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and NecroSearch International.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.