After more than eight years of dedicated service, Accelerant Detection Canine (ADC) Zorro is retiring from the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and his critical work assisting in fire investigations across Maryland and beyond.
Zorro, a black Labrador retriever, and his handler, Deputy Chief Fire Marshal and OSFM K-9 Commander John Nelson, have worked countless fire scenes together. Their efforts extended beyond Maryland, assisting agencies in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Zorro also played an important role in community engagement, attending public education events, demonstrations, and displays, where he met thousands of Marylanders.
A Career Rooted in Service
Zorro began his training at Puppies Behind Bars, a program where incarcerated individuals raise service dogs for first responders, veterans, and law enforcement. He was later selected by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for specialized training in accelerant detection. In December 2016, Zorro and Nelson graduated as part of ATF ADC Class #117.
Throughout his career, Zorro used his highly trained sense of smell to detect accelerants such as gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, and even odorless solvents. His skills have been instrumental in solving numerous arson cases. As a food-reward canine—a standard methodology used by ATF—Zorro underwent daily training, with Nelson hand-feeding him over 130,000 times during their eight years together.
“Now, Zorro can enjoy retirement and ring in the new year with a normal bowl of food,” said Nelson.
A Legacy of Dedication
Zorro is Nelson’s second ATF Accelerant Detection K-9. His first partner, K-9 Charlie, worked from 2008 to 2016 and passed away in 2018. Reflecting on his career with the two dogs, Nelson shared, “The Accelerant Detection K-9 Program has been one of my job’s most rewarding and enjoyable parts. From working with these amazing dogs each day for the last 16 years to meeting some incredible investigators and touching the lives of children and adults alike during this time, I wouldn’t change a thing. The work these K-9s do each day to help solve the crime of arson is invaluable, and I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with these two dogs.”
A National Network of Canine Heroes
Zorro’s retirement marks the end of an era for this remarkable duo, but his work reflects the value of accelerant detection canines nationwide. Currently, there are fewer than 70 ATF Accelerant Detection Canine teams operating across the United States and Canada. These teams continue to provide critical assistance in solving arson cases, protecting communities, and educating the public.
Zorro’s retirement is a celebration of a life dedicated to service. His impact will continue to be felt by the communities he served and the countless lives he touched during his remarkable career.
