Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control Honors the Retirement of Fire Investigations K9 ROTC and Welcomes New K9 Waffle

LAKEWOOD, COLO. - (October 8, 2025) - Fire and Life Safety (FLS), a section of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), a division of the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), is both celebrating a legacy and looking toward the future as it announces the retirement of Fire Investigation K9 ROTC and introduces its newest Accelerant Detection Canine, Waffle.

From 2020 to 2025, K9 ROTC has been more than just an investigative partner-he has been a protector, a detective, and a loyal friend to agencies across Colorado and to his handler, DFPC Fire Investigator Brian Eberle.

"Congratulations to ROTC on his 5 years of dedicated service to the state of Colorado. During his service ROTC's laser trained nose helped investigate more than 180 fires collecting evidence and holding arsonists accountable, with an accuracy rate of 94.2%, keeping Coloradans and our communities safe. The State of Colorado thanks ROTC for his service to the state and wishes him a restful retirement full of treats, walks in Colorado's iconic outdoors, long naps in the sun, and countless tummy rubs. ROTC is leaving some big paws to fill, but I'm thrilled to welcome Waffle to the fire investigation team to keep Coloradans and our communities fire safe," said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

In August of 2024 ROTC met Governor Polis at the state capitol where the governor highlighted the incredible work K9 Fire investigation dogs like ROTC do to investigate the sources of fires, hold those responsible for fires accountable, and keep Coloradans and our communities safe. Today, in honor of ROTC's 5 years of service, through an official proclamation, Governor Polis declared October 8, 2025 as ROTC Retirement Day.

"ROTC has been an invaluable asset not only to the Division but also to every agency he has collaborated with," said Chris Brunette, Chief of the DFPC Fire and Life Safety Section. "His contributions have led to the successful apprehension of criminals and the recovery of vital evidence, highlighting the exceptional skills that make K9 units so essential to the State of Colorado."

K9 ROTC on a CDPS Firehawk.

K9 ROTC during a fire investigation.

K9 ROTC resting after a long day's work

Introducing Waffle: DFPC's New Fire Investigation K9

As ROTC enters a well-deserved retirement, DFPC proudly welcomes K9 Waffle, who recently completed training through the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) National Canine Division's prestigious Accelerant Detection Canine (ADC) program.

"ATF's National Canine Division program is a prestigious, intense and demanding globally recognized program that produces highly trained and skilled Accelerant Detection Canines for our local law enforcement partners," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. "This program is critical to ATF's mission of combatting violent crime and supporting our local law enforcement partners which significantly enhances public safety for all. I congratulate Investigator Brian Eberle and ADC K-9 Waffle on their recent graduation and welcome them home to Colorado where they will serve."

The ATF Accelerant Detection Canine Program, established in 1986, has become a model for scientifically based accelerant and explosives detection. Handlers, like DFPC Investigator Eberle, complete a rigorous six-week training course at the ATF Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia. Teams are trained to detect a variety of ignitable liquids that may be used to start fires, and they must commit to a five-year memorandum of agreement while undergoing annual recertification. Currently, only about 50 Accelerant Detection Canine teams serve across the country, highlighting the significance of Waffle's placement in Colorado.

Honoring the Legacy, Building the Future

The introduction of Waffle ensures that the DFPC continues its vital mission of serving and safeguarding the people, as well as protecting property, resources, the environment, and the quality of life in Colorado. Together, the legacy of ROTC and Waffle's future underscore the enduring importance of Accelerant Detection Canines in uncovering the truth behind fires and holding individuals accountable.

"We are deeply grateful for ROTC's years of service and excited to welcome Waffle into the DFPC family," said DFPC Director Mike Morgan. "Our K9 program not only strengthens fire investigations but also demonstrates the commitment we share with our partners to keep Colorado safe." To learn more about DFPC's Fire and Life Safety section and investigations branch, visit dfpc.colorado.gov/fireinvestigations.

Pictured is DFPC's new ADC Fire Investigations K9, Waffle.

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About DFPC's Fire and Life Safety Section

The Fire and Life Safety Section oversees the fire, building, and life safety codes established by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC). This section comprises four branches that focus on building codes, community risk reduction and education, fire investigations, and fire prevention. DFPC is a division under the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS). The mission of DFPC is to serve and protect the people of Colorado, as well as to safeguard property, resources, the environment, and the overall quality of life in the state. For more information, visit dfpc.colorado.gov and follow us on Facebook.