A FIRE investigation dog close to retirement is preparing to teach a young Labrador some new tricks to get the pup ready to take over his role. Crime fighter Browza has been trained to detect arson and has sniffed out accelerants used to start fires since

A FIRE investigation dog close to retirement is preparing to teach a young Labrador some new tricks to get the pup ready to take over his role.

Crime fighter Browza has been trained to detect arson and has sniffed out accelerants used to start fires since he began his career in 2001.

Browza is set to retire in two years time and Labrador CC will be ready to take over the mantle.

The two dogs met for the first time at the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's training centre in Hitchin Road, Stevenage, and will soon be working together.

Browza's handler, Paula Stevenson, who will also handle CC, said: "I'm really looking forward to working with both dogs.

"Browza is a pleasure to work with and it will be wonderful to see him take the new dog into his care and pass on all his skills.

"I am hoping they will forge a long lasting friendship."

Both Browza and CC are sponsored by Computacentre which is based in Hatfield.

Company chief executive Mike Norris said: "We are delighted to support Browza and CC as we can see how vital their role is.

"Browza has helped gain evidence in a number of arson cases and I am sure CC will be just as successful.

"Arson can have a devastating effect on towns and communities and that is why we believe supporting the fire dogs in their detection work is so important.