Blaze - Robert Leonard C.F.E.I., Wisconsin

Hershey - Investigator Richard P. Rogozinski, New York state Office of Fire Prevention and Control

Jed - Steve Reichert, K-9 Fire Investigation Team,  Erie, Pa.

Newby - Susan DeAntonio, Rancho Cucomonga Fire Department, Calif.
 

Newby July 24, 1988-March 24, 2001 Loved and handled by Susan DeAntonio Rancho Cucomonga Fire Department, Calif.

Newby was originally a loyal guide dog who flawlessly guided Mr. Brown for two years throughout Chaffey College and the city. After they were involved in an accident crossing the street, Newby was generously given up for adoption by Mr. Brown to Fire Investigator De Antonio; he refused to cross streets again.

Newby was sponsored by Soroptimist International Baldy View as a community service project. He was specifically obtained for Mr. Brown. The Soroptimists continued to sponsor Newby through payment of some of his training costs and support of his trading cards. Newby was known internationally through 12,000 'K9 Newby' trading cards distributed throughout the U.S., Siberia, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico, England, Israel, Germany and Norway.

Newby was made an official 'Arson K9' Dec.  7, 1994 and had a distinguished career, investigating 100 fires worth millions of dollars. He was privileged to be honored twice by WeTIP as investigator of the year.  He performed the first-ever Fire K9 demonstration in an RC courtroom. The jury convicted the arsonist and sent him to prison for four years.

Newby served the community in other ways. Off duty, he visited hospice patients. He often comforted children and grandchildren of hospice families. There were many times his beautiful, soft white coat caught the tears of grieving loved ones, unable to express in words their pain and loss. Newby also called on the pediatric unit at Kaiser hospital to visit Rookie Joshua Wilson. Hospital staff still recall the time they found Newby napping in bed with the happy patient.

Newby was promoted to 'Training Officer' in 1998, when he selected K9 Gator to be the second 'Arson K9' at RCFD. Newby did all the training of Gator and K9 'Spanner,'  of LA County fire department.

Newby retired Oct. 9, 1999. He greeted visitors and joined tours at the fire station. He was Rancho Cucamonga Fire District's fulltime Ambassador of Goodwill. He will be missed. 

Jed Oct. 4, 1991-April 18, 2000 Steven F. Reichert

Steve Reichert had the honor of serving with his partner Jed as the K-9 Fire
Investigation Team in Erie, Pennsylvania beginning in 1992. Jed was
diagnosed on March 6, 2000 with hemolytic anemia and he passed away at home with his family on April 18, 2000.

Jed’s distinguished career included working with federal, state, local and private fire investigators to help determine the cause of hundreds of fires throughout the Erie area. Jed was a regular guest of many groups in the Erie community where he enjoyed demonstrating his talent and the love he held for his work.

Jed was recognized throughout the country as one of the most accomplished
dogs in accelerant detection. The achievements of his career would be too numerous to list. Jed was not only a pioneer, but also a true leader in a field that his experiences helped to define.

In addition to his formal work, Jed was a noble companion and friend to all of those who knew him. Jed’s dedicated service and unconditional love will be remembered forever.