Gilbert Fire celebrates retirement of town’s 1st arson detection dog

PHOENIX — Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department celebrated the retirement of its first arson detection dog this week.

Spring, an 8-year-old black lab, worked with the department for seven years, according to a town press release.

The pup and her partner, fire investigator David Zehring, have worked on hundreds of cases, including in California and New Mexico.

Spring sniffed out accelerants used to start a fire and helped find other clues.

Happy retirement to the best ATF arson dog we could have asked for. You deserve all of the treats, Spring. We love you. 🚒 🐾 #CelebratingSpring

Learn more about our goodest girl: https://t.co/74S9hrndmC pic.twitter.com/oqmKzG8TWQ

— Gilbert Fire Rescue (@GilbertFireDept) October 17, 2019

She also participated in community outreach events, including fire danger demonstrations for schools.

Spring was originally in training to be a guide dog, but her love of treats caused her to be released from the program, according to the town.

The hard-working pup will spend the rest of her days with her partner and his family.

Zehring will soon attend Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives training in Virginia, where he will search for Spring’s replacement.

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