'A fun little guy': This arson dog is the newest member of the Moncton Fire Department
The Moncton Fire Department recently hired a new member, but they don't expect him to get cats out of trees anytime soon.
Kernel is a two-year-old labrador retriever who works alongside Deputy Chief Charles LeBlanc.
The certified accelerant detection canine, or arson dog, received 200 hours of training at a fire prevention academy in New Hampshire.
LeBlanc who has been working with dogs for a big part of his career.
The duo help fire investigators and police from all over the Maritimes determine causes of suspicious fires.
"Basically what he does is find ignitable liquids in a fire scene," says LeBlanc. "Our mandate is very simple. We assist investigators in determining the best location to obtain a sample and for that sample to come back with a higher probability of coming back positive from a laboratory.”
However, Kernel isn’t is a traditional fire hall dog spending his days at the station. Instead, LeBlanc takes care of Kernel around the clock.
“It takes a lot of your time. It’s a 365 days a year commitment. Kernel is a food reward dog. He always has to eat out of the hands of his handler, which is me," he says.
LeBlanc has two other labrador retrievers at home including Kernel’s predecessor Magic who recently retired after 10 years on the job.
"The best thing about Kernel is he’s just a fun little guy. He’s quirky, but he’s very much a daddy’s boy right now," says LeBlanc.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.