Santa Barbara County Fire dog put down after brain tumor diagnosis

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - A Santa Barbara County Fire dog that assisted in dozens of arson investigations was put down this week.

Riley, a trained arson dog who had been with the department since 2013, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in April.

Riley and his partner, Captain Howard Orr, responded to over 60 calls for service over the last seven years. They pair had responded throughout the tri-counties fire agencies

Since 2013, Captain Howard Orr and Riley responded to over 60 calls for service as an Arson Dog throughout Santa Barbara and neighboring counties.

Riley is credited with helping put about a dozen arsonists in jail.

Riley was one of only four accelerant-detecting canines in California by way of the State Farm Insurance Arson Dog Program.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department posted images of Riley and Captain Orr on Facebook. The post has received condolences and words of appreciation for Riley and the fire department.