Beloved BGFD K-9 Millie Celebrated Ahead of Retirement

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – After eight years of helping investigators solve fire cases and serving communities across Kentucky and beyond, one of the Bowling Green Fire Department’s most recognizable team members is heading into retirement.

The department hosted a retirement celebration Monday evening for Millie, its 10-year-old accelerant detection K-9, recognizing her years of service alongside her handler, Capt. Michael Cornwell.

Cornwell said the event was a chance to celebrate Millie’s career and everything she has meant to the department.

“This event is a retirement of our accelerant detection K-9, Millie,” Cornwell said. “She’s been with the department for eight years now… This is just a celebration of her career and her time here at the fire department.” 

Millie worked alongside fire investigators by detecting ignitable liquids at fire scenes, helping investigators more quickly identify evidence that could determine how a fire started.

“So I do the fire investigation,” Cornwell said. “So Millie helps me identify ignitable liquids after a fire has occurred.” 

Fire Chief Justin Brooks said Millie’s impact stretched well beyond Bowling Green. He said she responded to investigations throughout Kentucky and neighboring states where accelerant detection canines are not always available.

“The value that she’s brought not only to this community and this city, but she’s also served in other states,” Brooks said. “The call when we receive it is always yes. And Millie’s answered that call.” 

Brooks said Millie also became an ambassador for the department through visits to local schools, helping firefighters teach children about fire safety while creating lasting connections with the community.

As Millie retires from active duty, she won’t be going far. Cornwell said he will officially adopt his longtime partner, allowing her to enjoy life outside the firehouse.

“It means everything for me to adopt Millie,” Cornwell said. “She’s worked with me… come to work with me every day. She goes home with me every day.” 

“I will officially adopt her, become a pet… and I’ll spoil her in my house from here on out,” he said. 

The Bowling Green Fire Department is already working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to bring another accelerant detection K-9 to the department, with hopes of adding Millie’s successor.