Enforcement Division is their Canine Unit . These specially trained dogs can detect flammable liquids at a fire scene while leaving the exact location undisturbed , aiding in evidence collection integrity . The use of K-9s lessens the amount of time an investigator would spend on a fire scene digging through debris looking for flammable liquid patterns . Canine use also reduces laboratory costs by increasing sample accuracy while reducing the amount of samples needed . Thus , the Investigator- Canine team is not only a savings to taxpayers , but a strong visible deterrent to the would-be arsonist .
And this is where Josh and his fur “ partner ” Brady works . And even though Brady may be property of the agency , he is Josh ’ s dog who goes home with him at night and cared for and loved like any other pet . It is just that Brady is also a K-9 and Josh ’ s co-worker . Pretty neat .
Brady ’ s bio is impressive . Brady is a six-yearold Black Labrador Retriever ( his seventh birthday is this July ) who has served the New Orleans metropolitan area since 2018 . He came to the agency when he was 16 months old . During this time , Brady has conducted over 75 fire scene searches and assisted in exposing criminal acts of arson and fraudulent insurance claims , resulting in considerable savings for the people of the state . Brady is a “ play reward ” K-9 and received his training from the United States K-9 Unlimited in Abbeville , Louisiana . Brady , along with Josh , was awarded the 2020 Louisiana State Fire Marshal K-9 Team of the Year Award . Brady regularly provides assistance to fire investigators and law enforcement agencies , as well as performing demonstrations at schools , civic organizations , and public events in order to bring awareness to the crime of arson .
Josh explains how even though they do basically the same job , Brady teaches him a valuable lesson on how to alleviate stress . “ Brady lives in the moment . He is always happy and never stressed whether he is at play or working . He does not let the things that humans worry about affect him . His positivity and the fact he is always in a state of joy gives you a different perspective . And being around that influence all day helps you deal with your stress and let things go .”
So what is Brady ’ s cutest trait ? Josh laughs , “ He is an almost 80-pound dog that likes to cuddle . He likes to climb up on your lap like he is a baby . I also taught him how to give high fives , so when he wants your attention , he comes up to you and raises his paw waiting for his high five and to also let you know he needs more attention .”
Josh , Evan and Matt , thank you for your service . We appreciate all your hard work . And a special shout out to Bourbon , Six and Brady for playing a role in keeping our everyday heroes stress-free and safe .
Josh has been with the Fire Marshal ’ s office for 7 1 / 2 years and moved into the K-9 unit after two years . One of the biggest questions I had for Josh was to explain the meaning of a “ play reward ” dog . The answer was simplistic : some dogs are driven by food rewards , and some have other motivations . Brady ’ s drive is to play , which I love . Brady loves to swim and does so very well . In fact , if they are on a case and there is a pool , lake or other fun body of water nearby , he has to be reminded work first and then he can go for a dip . He also likes chasing balls and playing fetch .
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