(L) Cedar Rapids Fire Investigator Matt Humphrey and arson dog "Wally" and (R) Cedar Rapids Police Sergeant Matt Trimble and "Ranger."Photo: Cedar Rapids Fire/Police Departments
(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- Cedar Rapids newest police and fire dogs will make their first public appearances at Saturday’s Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market. Arson dog “Wally” and Cedar Rapids Police dog “Ranger” will be at Greene Square this Saturday morning starting at 7:30.
Wally comes to the CRFD through a program offered by State Farm Insurance. Accelerant detection dogs are trained law enforcement dogs used to sniff out evidence at fire scenes. The department says Wally will work alongside human handlers, identifying the cause of home or business fires, assisting in cold crime cases, and uncovering potential evidence in homicides. Wally and his handler, Investigator Matt Humphrey, work at CRFD’s Central Fire Station and cover all of Cedar Rapids and may also assist other agencies through mutual aid arrangements.
The Cedar Rapids Police Department's new bloodhound, Ranger is trained to follow a specific scent. CRPD's other canine officers are dual-trained to detect suspects, drugs, and/or explosives. Ranger is a puppy, not yet one year old, and continues training. The police department says his drive and abilities show great promise.