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Pit Bull Rescued From Dog Fighting Ring Becomes K9 Arson Detection Officer

A pit bull named Hansel who was rescued from a dog fighting ring has now become a K9 arson detection officer, and perhaps made history as the first of his breed to hold this title, CNN reported.

4-year-old Hansel, who is known for his upbeat energy and generous kisses, graduated from academy training on January 18 and officially became a member of the Millville Fire Department in New Jersey.

At only seven weeks old, Hansel was rescued from a vicious dog fighting ring in Ontario, Canada.

Facebook | Throw Away Dogs Project

He was one of 21 dogs who were rescued, prompting the global campaign #Savethe21 which fought against euthanizing all the rescued fighters, including Hansel's mother.

He and his sister, Gretel, were taken in by Throw Away Dogs Profit, a Philadelphia organization that rescues "unique" dogs and trains them to become K9s. One year after his rescue, Hansel was enrolled in 16-week academy training.

His handler, Tyler Van Leer, is a Millville firefighter who had suggested the addition of an arson detection K9 unit at his firehouse.

Facebook | Throw Away Dogs Project

An 8-year veteran of the department, Van Leer trained with Hansel at the academy where he said they shared an "instant bond."

"His little head poked around the corner and it was like an instant connection," Van Leer told ABC News. "You could feel it."

Upon graduating, Hansel officially made K9 history, as Carol Skaziak of Throw Away Dogs Project said.

"I am 100% sure Hansel is the first pit bull arson detection dog in New Jersey," she told CNN. "I have done so much research and I don't believe there are any other pit bull arson detection dogs in the entire country. I have not found any others."

As a single purpose arson detection K9, Hansel has been trained to identify ignitable liquids like gasoline and diesel.

Facebook | Throw Away Dogs Project

In addition to sniffing out the flammable liquids, Hansel will also be responsible for helping the fire department teach local students about fire prevention, as well as assist in detection for other police and fire departments outside of Millville.

Although he's got a pretty comfy set up at the firehouse, Hansel actually calls somewhere else his home.

Larsons Images via Instagram | @Osaki022

He lives with Van Leer and his family where the two have become quite the bonded pair.

"We are just inseparable," the firefighter told CNN. "Everyone here at the firehouse loves him. He is just an awesome dog. I wouldn't ask for any other dog."

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