WARSAW — Retired Warsaw–Wayne Fire Territory Accelerant Detection K9, Bailey, passed away at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2016. Bailey was born Dec. 11, 2001, originated as a Guiding Eyes K9 and at the age of one was acquired by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosive, ATF Front Royal to become an Accelerant Detection Canine.

In December 2003, Bailey graduated from the ADC Class #40 with handler Fire Chief Michael D. Wilson. During his career with Wilson, Bailey was a part of four ATF National Response Team Call Outs for major fire scene investigations, assisted Federal Bureau of Investigations, Merrillville, Ind. Office on two separate cases, numerous fire scene investigations with the Office of State Fire Marshal, along with a substantial amount of fire scene investigation within Kosciusko County and northern Indiana.

Bailey was a fan of all the schools in the Warsaw community, and made numerous demonstrations with the other law enforcement canines within Kosciusko County. Bailey was always a hit with the children no matter where he went.

Bailey retired from service in the summer of 2012.

After retirement he spent many days at the McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel greeting families and visitors, providing care and compassion to many who attended visitations and funerals. Bailey enjoyed retirement by attending occasional K9 demonstrations of what his career was and by attending speaking engagements with Wilson on the purpose of the use of a food reward trained ADC and the importance of the ATF program. Until this past fall, Bailey could still “hit the spots and the cans” to identify where the flammable liquids were located. Retirement was great for Bailey, as he was always by his loving family at the country home.

Dec. 31 was a difficult day for family. With the Wilson family, and Ptl. Bumbaugh of Winona Lake PD by his side at Dr. Sasso’s Vet Clinic, Bailey passed on. Chief Wilson of the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory and his family are very thankful to all the past and present staff members of Front Royal ATF Canine Program and the City of Warsaw for supporting the K9 program, allowing Bailey to be a huge part of their life and this community.  Chief Wilson says, “This adventure has been a great part of my career, I appreciated the opportunity and the life Bailey gave to our department, our community and our family.”