FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2021
Charlottesville Fire Dept. Mourns the Loss of K9 Quaker
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The Charlottesville Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of "Quaker," the retired accelerant detection canine.
Quaker served Charlottesville's citizens and surrounding jurisdictions with six years of dedicated service. Through an agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Ret. Battalion Chief W.A. Hogsten, Quaker's handler, received six weeks of training and graduated in April 2010. Quaker was one of approximately 60 ATF-certified Accelerant Detection Canines in service in the United States. These elite canines are part of the ATF National Response Team that responds to significant fire incidents nationwide.
Quaker responded to over 400 fire scenes and provided invaluable service. He supported local and state agencies in determining the origin and cause of fires that lead to arrests and subsequent convictions in Central Virginia.
Quaker passed away at his home on February 9th. He was with Chief Hogsten and his family (Kathy, Parker, Connor, and Tanner) on their farm in Barboursville, VA. The Charlottesville Fire Department thanks Chief Hogsten for his committed years of service as Quaker's handler and for all the community contributions.
Interesting facts about Quaker:
- Quaker worked for the Charlottesville Fire Department for 42 dog-years
- Quaker was raised by the "Guiding Eye Foundation," a New York-based nonprofit that fosters service dogs.
- Quaker had a prison record. In partnership with the ATF and "Puppies Behind Bars," Quaker spent a year in a federal prison being raised by inmates.
A special thanks go out to these community organizations who supported Quaker:
- Animal Hospital of Ivy Square
- American Heritage Voices
- Crutchfield
- Albemarle Angler
- Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital
- Pampered Pets
- Virginia National Bank
- U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
Media Contact
Joe Phillips
Deputy Fire Marshal, Battalion Chief
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3247
PhillipJ@charlottesville.gov
