FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Deputy Fire Marshall, Kurt Lathrop has chosen two dogs from the Bishop Animal Shelter to be trained as Canine Arson Rescue Dogs. They were flown out to Maine for specialized training and after certification will return to Manatee County.

Kurt Lathrop and his dog Penny were certified as a team in September 1998. K-9 Penny replaced K-9 Allie who worked for 6 years out of the Westside Fire Department. Mr. Lathrop is qualified as an expert witness in federal and criminal court in the origin and cause of fires and with the use of a K-9. He has been with Westside for 13 years.

Bishop Animal Shelter since 1958, been a place where the community can find wonderful dogs to adopt. Officials at Bishop are particularly pleased that Logan a 2 year old Yellow Lab and Missy, a six month old lab have been chosen for training as Arson Dogs.

The dogs departed on Wednesday December 2nd,