VIDEO: Hampton fire dog's job is to sniff out arson

HAMPTON

Hampton Fire and Rescue’s newest arson investigator has a shiny badge of her own and a nose that’s powerful enough to detect a few drops of gasoline in a burned up house.

Taylor, a shiny black Labrador and golden retriever mix, on Thursday paused for an interview and video along with her human partner,  Investigator Jesse Gomes.

The department received Taylor through a scholarship from State Farm Insurance. Taylor lives with Gomes and his family and practices every day, even on weekends, Gomes said.

To hone Taylor's sniffing skills, Gomes sets up several cans filled with burned materials and a separate container with a special gasoline. The dog is encouraged to sniff each container and sit when she finds the one with the gas.

At other times, Gomes will place a few drops of the accelerant in several spots inside an abandoned home or at a shack where the department does other training. 

Taylor joined the fire department in early September and shortly afterward investigated a car fire, Gomes said. Accelerants she detected at the blaze were sent to the state crime lab in Norfolk for more detailed analysis.

In an average year, Taylor will help investigate more than 100 fires, Gomes said.

“I can’t say it more, she does a wonderful job and she loves doing it,” Gomes said.