Dogs help ATF with Super Bowl safety. Bomb detection task force is on the job

January 30, 11:32 PMDC Dogs ExaminerMichelle Critchell

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   Military K-9 team          photo by Trine de Florie 
 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has dispatched special officers to help prepare for a safe Super Bowl XLIII. Those called to service include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams. The K-9 units have been sent to Tampa from around the country.

"ATF and our law enforcement partners have been working closely and planning for this event for two years.  We are proud to say that the only thing the fans have to worry about is whether their team wins or loses," said Virginia O'Brien, special agent in charge of the ATF Tampa Field Division.

ATF has used its explosives detecting canines at other special events including the Republican and Democratic National Conventions and the recent Presidential Inauguration or Barack Obama.

ATF's canine program, which began in 1986, uses only Labrador retrievers. The dogs are supplied by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Guide Dog Foundation, and Canine Companions for Independence.

Dog teams are vital to local law enforcement officers and soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan have teams of military working dogs (MWD) that are used for patrol, drug and explosive detection, and specialized missions.  

Give your working dog a pat on the head today and enjoy the Super Bowl!

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