The Kansas Fire Marshal announced the availability of their newest team member, a human remains detection (HRD) dog, according to a social media report from the Fire Marshal's office.
K9 Gator, a year and one half-old Belgian Malinois, was imported from Mexico and purchased by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office through Hill Country Dog Center in Pipe Creek, Texas.
Gator is assigned to his handler, Special Agent Melanie Miller, in the Investigation Division. Gator and S.A. Miller are certified through the United Police Work Dog Association in Human Remains Detection on land and water, as well as obedience.
K9 Gator and S.A. Miller are currently working towards their FEMA dog team certifications and will be rostered on Kansas Task Force 1 after those certifications are completed.
Gator and SA Miller will play a crucial role in providing closure to families and aiding search and rescue efforts. K9 Gator is currently available for mutual aid response through communication with the Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office.