Gunnar, newest Tahoe Douglas Explosive Ordinance Disposal team member

Here is some news to take a little “paws” with...introducing the newest trainee on the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District team, Gunner. He is a member of the Tahoe Douglas Explosive Ordinance Disposal team and, once he completes his training, will join six other dogs as canine resources for the Northern Nevada Bomb Technicians Task Force.

The other EOD dogs are from UNR-Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Reno Police Department, and three from Reno Airport TSA.

“With the threat of terrorist attacks a growing concern in our world, like many places, we are seeing a dramatic increase in EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) sweep requests," said TDFPD Battalion Chief /EOD Commander Todd Moss. "Explosive Detection Canine resources are spread thin in the region during the political and special event seasons, and having an additional resource at TDFPD will allow us the chance to give back to the task force and continue to be responsive to our community needs.”

In the Lake Tahoe area, EOD sweeps are requested for political, sporting and entertainment events where a large number of participants are expected to attend or there is a high profile individual.

“For example, in July, sweeps were conducted daily for American Century Celebrity Golf which drew an attendance over 75,000 this provided an excellent training opportunity for Gunner,” added Moss.

Gunner was a rescue dog from a local family and wasted no time bonding with Moss. Jim McNeil, an Explosive Detection Canine handler, master dog trainer and Washoe County Sergeant is currently training with both Gunner and Moss.

“McNeil is very impressed with the dog and his training so far and believes Gunner should be a certified Explosive Detection Canine in the fall,” Moss added. When he is fully trained, he will be able to identify commercial and homemade explosives.

All of the area resorts are extremely supportive of the Tahoe Douglas Fire Department's public safety programs and share the same commitment to community safety according to Eric Guevin, Fire Marshal for TDFPD. During a recent South Tahoe Alliance of Resorts (STAR) meeting, Explosive Detection Canine Gunner showed he was a true "STAR."