Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Morgantown introduces ATF‑trained accelerant‑detection canine, honors handler
Summary
Morgantown City Council on Dec. 2 introduced 'Chance,' an accelerant‑detection canine certified through an ATF program, and presented a proclamation recognizing Deputy Fire Marshal William Lyons for completing intensive handler training. Council and staff said the team will bolster fire investigations and has an initial activation scheduled the next day.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown officials introduced an ATF‑trained accelerant‑detection canine and recognized the handler at the City Council meeting Tuesday evening.
Fire Marshal Jason Quinn said the canine, Chance, and her handler, Deputy Fire Marshal William "Billy" Lyons, completed an ATF‑run academy and are now certified to assist in accelerant detection. "Because of all of you, our department has a powerful tool that will strengthen our fire investigations," Quinn said, thanking council and staff for support. Deputy Fire Marshal Lyons and Chief Freshour also received public thanks for their roles in developing the program.
A council proclamation included training and certification details: an interagency agreement with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms approved by council on Sept. 16, 2025; an intensive training schedule beginning Sept. 29, 2025; and a graduation date listed as Nov. 7, 2025. The proclamation also states the handler and canine completed 288 hours of formal instruction and that the team is certified for at least five years.
Officials said Chance was scheduled to assist the Western U.S. Fire Marshal's office the day after the meeting. City staff emphasized the canine's role is to aid origin‑and‑cause investigations and to support prevention work in schools and community outreach.
The mayor and council presented certificates and a small replica of Chance as a token of appreciation. The council thanked municipal staff and volunteers who helped secure training and interagency agreements.
The council did not take separate action beyond the proclamation; the canine team and handler will operate under existing interagency protocols and the fire department's investigative procedures.
