2014-0415
title
In Recognition: Darge, Accelerant Detection K9
body
The Parish of St. Charles
December 15, 2014
IN RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, Darge, a black Labrador retriever and one of the longest serving accelerant detection K9s in the history of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office, has made his retirement plans official; November 30, 2014, being his last day on the job; and,
WHEREAS, Darge has performed services in nearly every parish of the state, focusing most of his attention in Southeast Louisiana where he is familiar to most law enforcement and fire officials. He has been officially removed from service, effective December 1, 2014, after having been utilized across this state for more than a decade; and,
WHEREAS, Darge is a product of the State Farm Arson Dog Program. Arson dogs are trained to sniff out trace amounts of accelerants that may have been used to facilitate a fire. Each arson dog works and lives with their handler, a law enforcement officer or firefighter trained to investigate fire scenes, and both are required to complete an extensive five-week training course in Alfred, Maine; and,
WHEREAS, Darge has been instrumental in the arrests of dozens of arsonists since his arrival at the State Fire Marshal's Office in 2004, including those attempting to defraud insurance companies which has saved Louisiana citizens on their insurance premiums by diminishing fraudulent claims; and,
WHEREAS, during his retirement, Darge will remain in the care of his handler, District Chief Lance LaMarca for the remainder of his life.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL, AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT, do hereby express our sincere thanks and appreciation to
DARGE
FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE
STATE OF LOUISIANA