The Reading Fire Department gathered Friday at City Hall to celebrate the retirement of K9 Gracie, the department’s accelerant detection dog whose work over nearly eight years of service has supported investigations across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Gracie began her service in December 2017 and has since responded to more than 275 fire scenes. Officials noted that her specialized training, combined with her steady presence, made her an invaluable tool in arson investigations and a morale booster for the department.
“She wasn’t just a resource for the City of Reading—she became a regional asset,” said Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss, who often worked alongside Gracie. “Her contributions went far beyond what anyone first imagined when this program started.”
Gracie and her handler, Lieutenant Trent Zulick, trained extensively with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Zulick underwent a demanding six-week program before bringing Gracie back to Reading. “That six-week training was seven days a week, all day, every day,” Zulick recalled. “It was a huge commitment, not just for me but for my family and the fire marshal’s office, because they had to cover for me while I was gone.”
Once certified, the pair responded to incidents ranging from local fire scenes to large-scale investigations such as the Port Newark cargo ship fire in New Jersey. Zulick said Gracie quickly became a familiar presence beyond the fireground. “She wasn’t just my partner—she became part of the department and the city. Everywhere we went, people wanted to see Gracie.”
Managing Director Jack Gombach, speaking on behalf of Mayor Eddie Morán, thanked Gracie and Lt. Zulick for their dedication. He noted how the K9 program had become an important public safety asset not only for Reading but for surrounding communities. “This program has proven itself time and again,” Gombach said. “Gracie’s service is something the entire city can be proud of, and we are grateful for the commitment that both she and her handler have shown.”
Fire Chief James Stoudt Jr. reflected on the effort it took to bring the program to Reading and to sustain it over the years. He credited city officials for believing in the idea and committing resources to make it a reality. “When we first discussed having our own arson dog, there was some skepticism about whether the workload would justify it,” Stoudt said. “But the results speak for themselves. With the support of city leadership and the dedication of our fire marshals, this program has become one of the most valuable investigative tools we have.”
One of the lighter moments of the ceremony came with the story of how Gracie developed a fondness for bananas. Searfoss explained that during long days in the office or out on scenes, he often shared part of his banana with Gracie — a ritual that quickly became her favorite treat and a symbol of their bond. The small routine, he said, helped keep her calm and ready to work. Zulick noted that behind those lighthearted moments was a dog known for her relentless dedication. “We always said Gracie was the first one to show up and the last one to leave. She truly was the hardest working member of the team.”
To mark her retirement, Gracie received gifts including toys and treats from city officials and the public. A toy avocado from City Council President Donna Reed drew laughter from the crowd, reflecting the affection many in City Hall had for the four-legged fire investigator.
While Gracie now transitions into retirement, the Fire Department confirmed that plans are underway to train a new K9 to continue the program.
