The Arson Task Force was formed in 1997 bringing together the Meridian Fire Department's Fire Investigation Division and the Meridian Police Department's Criminal Investigation Bureau to form a much stronger arson investigating team. In 2000 the Arson Task Force was strengthened by the Meridian Fire Department receiving an ATF accelerant K-9 by the name of Schroeder. Schroeder was paired up with Fire Investigation Specialist Vince Vincent and works under the direction of the Fire Marshal. The black lab is trained 7 days a week with a minimum of 2 hours a day. He is hand fed only when he is working. To alert of ignitable liquid he will sit and then will show the spot by putting his nose down on command. With a nose much more sensitive than electronic equipment, Schroeder can detect over 1500 ignitable liquids.

 

	Vince Vincent-Fire Investigation Specialist with Schroeder-ATF Accelerant K-9
Schroeder searching for ignitable liquid.
	Schroeder sits to attention to alert of ignitable liquid.
On command Schroeder will put his nose on the spot where the ignitable liquid is.
	Schroeder is hand fed, and only when he is working. Therefore he works 7 days a week.