The Arlington County Fire Department is welcoming a new dog deputy, and he’s not joking around.
Joker, a male yellow Labrador retriever, is in training to help detect “fire accelerants” at the scene of a fire, ACFD spokesman Capt. Jamie Jill told ARLnow. The dog will be capable of smelling explosives as well as post-blast residue.
“Deputy Joker will come to work five days a week and has nights and weekends off,” Jill said. “He is, of course, allowed recreational time to play, rest, vacation, etc. He is, like our other deputy fire marshals, subject to recall for investigations and emergencies.”
Joker began his career as a puppy with Guiding Eyes For The Blind, a charity that helps connect service dogs to people with vision loss.
Welcome to the OFM K9 Joker! Chief FM Matthew Cobb is pleased to introduce the newest member of our team. K9 Joker and handler, DFM Josh Runion, are in accelerant detection canine training for the next 6 weeks. Soon they will be helping investigate fires in Arlington! pic.twitter.com/Vqp29EmwLb
— Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) August 21, 2025
He was transferred to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives due to his high energy level. Alongside his handler, deputy fire marshal Josh Runion, Joker is now completing a six-week training program to get him ready for work.
“The K9 and handler learn how to work together professionally when there is ‘work to do’ and develop a caring, loving relationship like most other dog and owners,” Jill said. “Both are living away from home while they train together.”
Runion will be the first canine handler for the Office of the Fire Marshal in Arlington. Joker will live with Runion at his home.
