2003 First Quarter Winners — Detector

Winner First Quarter Detector 2003
Region 3 Lt. Wayne Shaw & K9 Hank
Montgomery CO, MD Fire Marshal's Office

On 2/24/2003 at 6:00 PM, Lt. Wayne Shaw and K9 "Hank" of the Montgomery County , Maryland Fire Marshal's Office received a request to assist the District of Columbia Fire Investigators Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, the DC and ATF with a row house fire investigation that involved a fatal fire. On arrival, Lt. Shaw observed a three-story row house that had extensive fire damage to the first and second floors. Lt. Shaw was advised by officers on the scene that the Medical Examiner was getting ready to remove the body, the fire was being ruled a possible homicide and the Metropolitan Police, DC had a possible suspect in custody.

The DC Fire and ATF Investigators told Lt. Shaw that they wanted him and "I Hank" to examine the scene for the presence of any ignitale liquids. Lt. Shaw calibrated K9" Hank" and conducted an examination of the first floor, the stairs to the second floor, the area where the victim was found and the hallway on the second floor. K9 ''Hank'' gave three primary alerts - one under the dining room table, one under the edge of the front door (which was lying on the floor in the entrance way) and on a step going up to the second floor. Samples were collected from all three locations as evidence.

Lt. Shaw and K9 Hank responded to the Metropolitan Police's homicide office to examine suspect's clothing for evidence and/or the presence of ignitable liquids. The suspect's clothing was placed in a hallway that had been cleared by K9 "Hank" as being free from any ignitable liquids. Lt Shaw and K9 Hank conducted an examination of the suspect's clothing and shoes. K9 Hank gave primary alerts to the shoes and some of the clothes, which were than secured as evidence. Lt. Shaw and K9 Hank cleared the scene and were advised that the suspect would be charged with the arson and homicide.

All items identified and the suspect clothing were than submitted to the AT&F National Lavatory for examination. The lab confirmed K9 Hank had alerted to a light petroleum distillate (Ronson Lighter Fluid). The lab also advised that a Ronson container had been located in the victim's residence.

Lt. Shaw & K9 Hank was voted case of the First Quarter in the Detector Category.