2 suburban Chicago dogs have arson-sniffing skills

JOLIET — One black Labrador in Joliet has special crime-fighting training.

Tony works with Joliet firefighters and is one of only about 70 dogs across the country that can detect fire-starting accelerants. The Herald-News reports that Tony is certified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Tony works with Joliet fire Capt. Dave Hausmann, who says the dog can narrow down scents in a burned room.

Illinois has one other dog with the same accreditations. That's Malcolm, who works with authorities in Country Club Hills.

Last week, Joliet hosted sessions with similarly skilled dogs from across the country.

Experts say Labradors are a good breed for the job because they have a good general demeanor and don't mind working in difficult situations, like burned debris and broken glass.