GRIFFIN, Ga. — Griffin is welcoming two new members to its public safety teams, and both happen to have four paws.
The Griffin Police Department introduced K-9 Bella and Griffin Fire-Rescue K-9 Delilah on National Dog Day Wednesday, highlighting the specialized skills the two pups will bring to investigations across the community.
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Bella, a 2-year-old Labrador, is trained in electronic detection and emotional support. Working alongside Inv. Kevin Hill, she can locate hidden digital storage devices, including cell phones, SD cards, computers, tablets, USB drives and cameras.
Those skills can be especially valuable in investigations involving crimes against children, where digital devices may contain critical evidence.
Bella is also trained to provide a calming presence for children and adults who have experienced abuse or trauma.
The National Computer Forensics Institute, a division of the U.S. Secret Service, purchased and donated Bella to the Griffin Police Department. She received her specialized training through Jordan Detection K9.
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Delilah, a 1½-year-old Labrador Retriever, is joining Griffin Fire-Rescue with an entirely different specialty.
She is trained to detect trace amounts of more than 60 ignitable liquids, even after a fire has burned.
Delilah will work with Capt. Brent Burke, a fire investigator with 26 years of experience, helping investigators locate evidence and determine how fires started.
“These specialized K-9s bring valuable skills that strengthen investigations, support victims, and help our public safety professionals serve the Griffin community,” the City of Griffin Police Department said.
So while Bella may be looking for hidden electronics and Delilah may be sniffing out evidence after a fire, both are officially on the job and ready to put their noses to work.
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