Tahoe Douglas Fire has new explosive tracking dog, K9 Tracker

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - A new team member has been added to Tahoe Douglas Fire, Tracker the EOD K9. The Hungarian Vizala is a member of the department's Explosive Ordinance Disposal team.

His handler, Fire Inspector Kris Rowlett, started searching for a new EOD K9 after Gunner and his handler announced their retirement last year. Rowlett began researching Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) programs. With the help of the Northern Nevada EDC teams, Rowlett located a handler and canine training program (Ford K9) which had a fully trained dog immediately available. Within days, he began the 120-hour handler program.

Rowlett and Tracker bonded quickly, a necessity for success as a team in the EDC world. A bonus is that the dog’s needs are easily met in the Rowlett household with four young boys since the Vizala needs vigorous daily exercise and lots of personal attention. The breed is sometimes referred to as the “Velcro Vizsla” for its need to be in close proximity to its human

companion, which Tracker frequently demonstrates by leaning his cheek into Rowlett’s leg, keeping close tabs on him and their surroundings.

Tahoe Douglas Fire Chief Scott Lindgren recognized the need to have the EOD team in the District with the return of special events post-COVID and the new event center under construction at Stateline.

Tracker can currently detect fourteen explosive scents, commonly found in commercial and homemade explosives. Rowlett and Tracker are certified in
California and Nevada and must participate in 16 hours of training every month to maintain that certification. Tracker is the fourth canine resource in the Northern Nevada Bomb Technicians Task Force joining the working dogs from UNR-PD and Reno PD.

In Northern Nevada, EOD sweeps are requested for political, sporting, and entertainment events where a large number of participants are expected to attend.

“With the growing threat of terrorist attacks, we are seeing a dramatic increase in EOD sweep requests. Explosive Detection Canine resources are limited in our region during the political and special event seasons. 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,” said TDFPD Captain /EOD Commander Will Darr.

Tahoe Douglas Bomb Squad is one of the four FBI accredited bomb squads in Nevada – FEMA Type I classification. It is a joint effort between the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Per the Cooperative Agreement, the Fire District serves as the fiscal agent for the Bomb Squad which is governed by a management board consisting of the
Fire Chief, Battalion Chief, and the Douglas County Sheriff and a Sheriff’s Captain.