2015 National Arson Awareness Week
Sample Resolution

WHEREAS, The theme for 2015 Arson Awareness Week is Accelerant Detection 
Canines - Sniffing Out Arson; and

WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Fire Administration from 2010-2012, an 
estimated 17,400 intentionally set fires in residential buildings were 
reported to U.S. fire departments each year, resulting in 275 civilian 
deaths, 800 civilian injuries, and $513 million in property loss. For 
this same time period, an estimated 9,000 intentionally set fires 
occurred in nonresidential buildings each year resulting in $282 million 
in property loss; and

WHEREAS, According to the FBI over the last five years (2009-2013), there 
has been an average of 53,127 arsons reported with an average dollar loss 
of $15,086 per incident; and

WHEREAS, An accelerant detection canine is trained to sniff out minute 
traces of ignitable liquid accelerants that may have been used to start a 
fire. Each dog is part of a team that is comprised of the canine and its 
handler; and

WHEREAS, We will use the week of May 3-9 to focus on the value and 
contribution accelerant detection canines make to fire departments, law 
enforcement agencies, and their communities; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, [Governor’s or Mayor’s name], [Governor or Mayor] of 
[City or State], on behalf of its citizens do hereby proclaim May 3-9, 
2015, to be Arson Awareness Week.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the [Governor or Mayor] and [insert Cabinet 
or Council, etc.] pay special tribute to all fire and law enforcement 
investigative agencies for their dedicated and tireless service.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the [insert Governor or Mayor] and [insert Cabinet 
or Council, etc.] of the [insert City or State] have hereunto subscribed 
their names and have caused the Official Seal of the [insert City and 
County or State] to be hereunto affixed in the [City or State] of 
___________________ on this ________________day of
________________ 2015.

_____________________________________________[Signature]