She's an Officer and a Canine

Then she was acquired by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which, in turn, offered her to Loudoun. In return for Jimmy, the Fire Marshal's Office has agreed to make her and Herndon available for ATF investigations outside the county.

The ATF put the duo through a six-week training program in Front Royal.

"They taught Jimmy the odors and the behavior response she should have when she detects the odors," Herndon said. "The odors being anything from gasoline to lighter fluid to numerous flammable liquids."

Since March, Herndon and Jimmy have ventured outside Loudoun six times, including once to the District.

"Jimmy made exterior and interior searches locating gasoline cans and other evidence," Herndon said. "Some of the fires were intentionally set."

One fire they investigated resulted in three fatalities. Herndon declined to discuss specifics of the fires because the cases are still open, he said.

Food treats aside, it isn't an easy life being a canine officer (yes, Jimmy is an officer) in the Fire Marshal's Office.

"Because of the inhalation hazards they face, it's recommended that these dogs only work five or six years," Herndon said.

Jimmy will be examined at least twice a year by the nonprofit Briggs Animal Adoption Center in Jefferson County, W.Va., which is providing the lifetime free food and veterinary care.

Jimmy has found some new friends, though.

Under ATF rules, dogs turned over to local law enforcement departments must live with their partners, Herndon said. That means Jimmy had no choice but to befriend her partner's three pets -- Windy (a border collie mix), Anna (a German shepherd) and Storm (a Shetland sheepdog).

And what do the three dogs think of their starry new roommate?

"They get along great," Herndon said. "The very first night they were together, they were all sleeping on top of one another! It was pretty unbelievable."