COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal celebrated the retirement of Ignitable Liquid Detection K-9 Finnegan “Finn” Tuesday afternoon.
The Division held a special send-off ceremony at its campus in Reynoldsburg to recognize the labrador retriever’s distinguished nine-year career, which involved serving alongside fire investigators throughout the state, primarily in southern Ohio.
Starting Wednesday, Finn will enjoy retirement at home with the family of his handler, Nakoa Spradlin, an investigator with the Division’s Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau (FEIB).
Finn’s unlikely journey began in western Ohio where, at just six months of age, he was surrendered to Champaign County Animal Rescue.
After noticing his potential, the organization contacted the Columbus Division of Fire Bomb Squad, sharing they believed he would make an excellent ignitable liquid detection K-9.
In November 2016, Finn officially started his training with the Columbus Division of Fire and, in June 2017, he was certified for duty with the Division of State Fire Marshal.
As Spradlin’s first K‑9 partner, Finn became an essential part of fire investigations across Ohio, especially given his special training and ability to identify numerous accelerants commonly found in fire debris.
To keep his skills sharp, Finn underwent a strict food‑reward training program two to three times daily.
Throughout his nearly decade-long career, Finn assisted with countless investigations, helping to pinpoint evidence that would later prove to be crucial in determining both the origins and causes of fires.
Investigator Spradlin says Finn has had a profound impact on his own work and life.
“Finn has been an incredible partner since the day we started,” Investigator Spradlin said. “He’s skilled, dependable, and makes every day on the job more fun and rewarding. He’s been such an asset to our investigations, and I’ll truly miss working with him.
“But I’m grateful knowing I’ll still see him every day at home, and my family absolutely loves him.”
During today’s send-off for Finn, State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon emphasized the importance of K‑9 investigators to the Division’s mission.
“Our K‑9 teams are invaluable tools in the investigative work we do,” Marshal Reardon said. “Their unique abilities help us bring cases to successful conclusions, and Finn has demonstrated that time and time again.
“We’re deeply grateful for his dedicated service and congratulate him on a very well‑deserved retirement.”
Known for his love of ice cream and his occasional habit of destroying his favorite squeaky toys, Finn will spend his retirement alongside the Spradlin family’s St. Bernard and Yorkie, enjoying a quieter, but well‑earned life after nearly a decade of service to Ohioans.
A short video of the ceremony with State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon and Finn’s handler, Nakoa Spradlin can be found here.