The Detroit Fire Department announced on Apr. 8 that Captain Omar Davidson, a veteran of the department for 31 years, will retire this week along with his K9 partner Campbell. Davidson has been a key figure in the Fire Investigation Division and is recognized for his role in establishing the department’s fire K9 program.
Davidson’s retirement is significant because it marks the end of a career that brought innovation and leadership to fire investigations in Detroit. His efforts helped shape how arson cases are handled, particularly through the use of highly trained accelerant-detecting dogs.
Davidson began as a trial firefighter in 1995 at Ladder 23 before moving into what was then called the Arson Division. He later became one of DFD’s first K9 handlers, working more than 2,000 fire scenes with his canine partners over his career. “I had to convince the administration that a fire K9 program was needed,” said Captain Davidson. “Once we got it off the ground, it didn’t take long for everyone to realize we had made the right decision. These dogs are incredible. When I’m working a deadly fire, I feel like I’m speaking for those who lost their lives.” The canines used by DFD are provided through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Canine Division in Virginia.
Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms described meeting Davidson at a firehouse in 1995 and later attending police academy together before joining the Arson Division: “Back then, we were investigating 10 to 15 structure fires a day. Despite the hectic pace of our work, Omar always stood out because of his great temperament and incredible patience… I want to personally thank him for his 32 years of dedicated service to this department and to the residents of Detroit.” Chief Dennis Richardson also praised Davidson’s impact: “The work Captain Davidson and his K9 partners have done has saved investigators an incredible amount of time and energy… Omar will truly be missed. I can’t begin to put into words the full impact he’s had on this team and on this city.”
As Davidson retires with Campbell, Lieutenant Alex Dunn and K9 Cody have completed training and will continue leading investigations using accelerant detection techniques developed under Davidson’s guidance. Dunn said: “I’ve learned a tremendous amount from Captain Davidson… Having the opportunity to train under someone of his caliber has been invaluable, and I’m looking forward to many great years ahead continuing this important work.”
Davidson reflected on leaving DFD: “I will dearly miss my colleagues and serving the citizens of Detroit,” he said. “But I’m excited for what’s ahead. It’s been a great run.” His retirement closes an era but leaves behind procedures—and people—prepared to carry forward specialized investigative work.
