K9 Nova credited with key leads in more than 40 Orange County fire probes

The Orange County Sheriff's Office highlighted K9 Nova this week after the accelerant detection dog assisted investigators in more than 40 fire investigations during 2025 and helped secure two arson convictions, with additional cases still pending. Nova's work, officials say, has been central to origin determinations and evidence recovery that feed criminal and civil inquiries across the Hudson Valley.

Nova joined the agency's team in May 2024 after being selected at the New York State Academy of Fire Science in February 2024 for "her drive, stability and exceptional talent for accelerant detection." The sheriff's office described Nova as trained to locate ignitable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene and lighter fluid and able to detect amounts as small as 20 microliters, roughly the size of a teardrop.

The dog carries certifications from New York State, the United States Police Canine Association and the North American Police Work Dog Association. The sheriff's office said Nova trains daily and is recertified annually, practices that officials presented as essential to maintaining reliability in active investigations and courtroom settings.

In addition to the two convictions, the sheriff's office credited Nova with supporting multiple origin determinations and evidence recoveries and noted the dog's recognized role in an arson conviction in Port Jervis. Those outcomes underline how specialized K9 teams can complement fire marshal work by narrowing search areas, confirming the presence of ignitable liquids and generating leads that investigative teams can follow.

Deputy King, Nova's handler, emphasized the partnership between dog and handler. “Nova doesn’t slow down - she’s at 100% all day long. The bond and trust we share is what makes this job so meaningful,” he said. Sheriff Paul Arteta framed the team as a resource for regional investigations. “Deputy King and K‑9 Nova represent the very best of our agency. Their dedication and impact on fire investigations across the region have been extraordinary,” Arteta said.

For Orange County residents, Nova's work translates into faster, more focused inquiries after suspicious blazes and stronger evidence for prosecutors seeking accountability in arson cases. The presence of a certified accelerant detection K9 can reduce investigative time at scenes and help fire and law enforcement partners prioritize follow-up leads.

As more cases stemming from Nova's 2025 deployments move through the system, residents can expect continued cooperation between the sheriff's office and local fire investigators. Report suspicious fires or activity to local authorities so investigators can respond quickly and preserve potential evidence for detection teams like Nova's.