State Farm® Provides New Arson Dog For Chula Vista Fire Department

There is a secret weapon in the fight against arson crime in Chula Vista and it has four legs. This new member of the Chula Vista Fire Department (CVFD) has a nose up on arsonists and uses those skills to sniff out the causes of fires. Meet special investigator K9 Hannah, an accelerant detection canine (K-9), who is partnered with Fire Investigator Maggie Greene. The two attended a four-week canine training school funded by State Farm and are now always together at work and home.

Hannah is a three-year old, Goldador (Golden Retriever/ Labrador) who was raised by Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, Florida. She is the second fire arson dog for CVFD and the first for Fire Investigator Greene who also is the program's first ever Latina handler. State Farm has produced a wonderful video on the special bond between Hannah and Maggie and why it was an unconventional pairing. Visit

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 280,000 intentional fires are reported to U.S. fire departments each year, with associated annual losses of 420 civilian deaths, 1,360 civilian injuries, and $1.3 billion in direct property damage. The actual number of arson fires and the amount of property damage is likely much higher, as arson is an underreported crime. Arson dogs played a crucial role in determining the cause of many of these fires.

“Having Maggie and Hannah on our team is a valuable asset to the residents and businesses in Chula Vista,” said CVFD Chief Harry Muns. “The extensive training they have received allows fire investigations to be completed rapidly and with confidence. I’d like to thank Maggie for her continued hard work and dedication to this new endeavor, and welcome Hannah to our organization.”

The program is funded by

State Farm and is available to fire departments and law enforcement agencies across the United States. Since its beginning in 1993, the State Farm Arson Dog Program has placed more than 435 dogs in 46 states, three

Canadian provinces, and the District of Columbia. All arson dog teams are trained by Maine Specialty Dogs and certified by the Maine State Police. For more information about the Arson Dog Program, go to www.arsondog.org.