Philadelphia Fire Department Arson Dog Retires After 6 Years Of Service
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- One of Philadelphia's Bravest is hanging up his badge, and leash.
For the last six and a half years, Chance, a black Labrador retriever, has worked as a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department as a part of their Arson and Explosives Task Force.
"He goes into fires and he assists us collecting samples with ignitable liquids," said Lieutenant George Werez with the Philadelphia Fire Marshalls Office
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Werez is Chance's partner and handler, and was by Chance's side Thursday when Chance retired from the force.
He says they've been on hundreds of cases together, but one sticks out more than most.
"I had a time where he found a molotov like 300 feet from the scene. Between a trash can and a recycling bucket," Werez said.
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As part of his retirement package, Chance received a plaque recognizing his service, a letter from the mayor, and a big bone and rope he can take home and enjoy.
"He's going to be my pet, and he's going to stay home with the wife while I go to work," said Werez.
For his next assignment, Lieutenant Werez is heading down to Virginia to train with Chance's replacement, who starts on the Force in December.