Shazam

Meet Arson K-9 Shazam, the first certified accelerant (ignitable liquids that are used to accelerate the growth of fires) detection canine for the City of Winston-Salem. Shazam is a black Labrador retriever whose primary job is to assist fire investigators on fires scenes by finding evidence of an intentionally set fire. In 2008, the Winston-Salem Fire Department received a grant to obtain Shazam and he has been working ever since.

Another benefit of Shazam is that he is capable searching a large area in minutes. He is assigned to Fire Investigator M.A. Guffey and they train every day to stay proficient. Some of the types of environments Shazam is trained to work in include a burned vehicle, house, or business.

Since starting his career in the fire service, Shazam has located critical evidence on fire scenes that has led to the arrest of several people.

When not working the fire scene, Shazam enjoys attending public education events to help promote fire safety and arson awareness.

For more information, please contact Fire Investigator Matthew Guffey at matthewga@cityofwsfire.org or (336)773-7967.