May 9, 2016—The National Auto Body Council (NABC) and State Farm, along with several collision repairers, are working to provide transportation for first responders and their K9 partners as a part of 2016 Arson Awareness Week.
Intentional arson or human negligence led to 86 percent of the 10 million acres burned by wildfires last year, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Especially in rural areas, first responders do not always have a dedicated vehicle for the arson dog team that would allow them to respond to the scene of a fire more quickly.
State Farm and NABC members have donated vehicles to raise awareness about the impact of arson and to improve the ability of police and fire departments to investigate fires. Vehicles were donated by State Farm and repaired and modified by technicians on volunteered time.
“State Farm is committed to helping provide the necessary resources to combat the severity and impact of arson on businesses and public safety,” said Heather Paul, public affairs specialist for State Farm Safety & Innovation.
Recycled Rides vehicles were donated to the following fire departments:
- New Bern Fire and Rescue in North Carolina for use by Fire Marshal Danny Hill and K9 Darby. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Caliber Collision in Raleigh, N.C.
- Eastern Sierra Arson Task Force for use by Fire Investigator Jeff Schwing and K9 Remington throughout southeast California. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Caliber Collision in Fresno, Calif.
- Ocala Fire Department in Florida for use by Fire Investigator Roseanne Moreland and K9 Gracie. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Jenkins Collision Center in Ocala, Fla.
- Maine Specialty Dogs for use by trainer Nicole Dyer to transport arson dogs to training. Vehicle repairs and modifications were made by Gerber Collision & Glass in Elkhart, Ind.
- Beaver Falls Fire Department in Pennsylvania will receive a vehicle later this summer for use by Fire Investigator David Seidl and K9 Patty. Vehicle repairs and modifications are being made by Scotsman’s Collision in Mt. Sinai, N.Y.
