Arson Canine Unit

Rodney K. Sharpley, Sr. is a Deputy Fire Marshal of the Worcester County Fire Marshals Office. His partner Foxy is a four year old, pure breed Black Labrador Retriever. Foxy was donated to the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office by Salt Spray Kennels in Ocean City, Maryland in March of 1999. Foxy was officially placed in service on October 1, 1999.

Initial training, equipment, and services for the Canine program were made possible by donations from various citizen of Worcester County. Kevin Healy, a canine trainer for the Ocean City Police Department, conducted Foxy's initial training in identifying ignitable liquids. In September of 1999, Foxy received her formal certification from the New York State Academy of Fire Science located in Montour Falls, NY

Foxy is different from the other Accelerant Detecting Canines in the State of Maryland in that she is a play for reward canine and works for her favorite toy, a tennis ball. The other Canines in the State work on a food for reward system.

Foxy is a member of the Canine Accelerant Detection Association. CADA provides communication among trainers and handlers of accelerant detector dogs as well as providing a forum for continuing education, news and notification of events.

Deputy Sharpley has been employed with the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office for 8 years and is a Certified Fire Investigator and Inspector.