Morgantown debuts accelerant-detection K-9 Chance to aid arson investigations

Morgantown Fire Department officials introduced an ATF-assigned accelerant-detection canine named Chance during the city's Mic'd Up Morgantown podcast, saying the dog will aid local and regional arson investigations and speed evidence collection.

"We're introducing Morgantown's newest 4 legged firefighter, Chance," host Brad Riffey said on the episode. Chief Gary Freshour and Captain Jason Quinn described how the program began after the department, with help from grant writer Robin Hess, applied to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 2024 and was awarded a dog.

The department emphasized the partnership with the ATF and regional role: Captain Jason Quinn said the ATF awarded two dogs to West Virginia so a northern and a southern canine could cover the state, and that Chance has already responded to calls in Preston and Marion counties.

"She's been to Preston County already. She's been to Marion County already," Quinn said, describing Chance as a regional response resource.

Deputy Fire Marshal Billy Lyons, Chance's handler, described the dog's training and field work. "We train twice a day at minimum daily. Everything's based [on] a food-based reward program," Lyons said, outlining search drills in cracks, on vehicle handles and along building exteriors. He described the dog's alert: "She has a change in behavior, and then she gives her final display, which is to sit down, and I'll reward her."

Lyons said Chance's first case produced two alerts that were confirmed by the state laboratory for the presence of accelerants. "Her very first case... she had two hits, which came back positive from the state lab for detection of presence of accelerants," Lyons said, noting the canine's results provide investigative evidence that must still be tied to motive and suspect as part of a broader probe.

Officials said having an in-house accelerant-detection dog reduces reliance on out-of-jurisdiction resources. Quinn noted Morgantown previously used a canine from Allegheny County near Pittsburgh. "Now we have that capability in house," he said, adding that keeping the capability local shortens response time and simplifies chain-of-custody measures that are important in major incidents.

Chief Freshour highlighted the department's broad responsibilities and how the canine fits into prevention and investigation work. "Morgantown is one of 22 municipalities that actually has this capability," he said, calling the addition a distinguishing resource for the city.

Officials also described program limits and funding: the dog remains ATF property and the department must comply with ATF rules; Quinn said continued participation and local funding depend on approval from city management and the Morgantown City Council.

The department also used the podcast to outline ways residents can get help with fire safety. Quinn provided a contact number, saying, "You can reach me at my office. My number's (304) 284-7485," and said the department can install smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms for residents who cannot obtain or install them, and may be able to provide fire extinguishers depending on availability.

The city did not announce new ordinances, procurement decisions or council votes during the episode. Officials framed Chance as an investigative tool that complements existing inspections, education and rescue work and said routine funding approval by local officials will determine the program's long-term sustainability.

The podcast concluded with the host inviting listeners to send questions and follow the City of Morgantown on social media for updates.