MONROE, N.C. — Union County Fire Marshal Kevin Rigoli and accelerant detection K9 Camden have been working side-by-side for the past seven years. Now, it's time for them to hang up their hat and collar. Rigoli and Camden are retiring.
Rigoli is an Army veteran who joined the Mineral Springs Volunteer Fire Department after moving into civilian life. Moving into different roles, including Division Chief of the Fire Marshal's Division with the Monroe Fire Department, he became the Union County Fire Marshal in 2015. Just a year later, Rigoli was joined by a yellow Labrador named Camden.
Camden was about 2 years old when he partnered with Rigoli. The pup originally was a guide dog for visually impaired adults before he got his training and certification from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to be an accelerant detection K9.
Rigoli and Camden had "an impeccable record," according to the city, and were credited with helping on huge scenes including the QVC warehouse fire in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, in 2021.
"With nearly 500 fire scenes and numerous ATF activations under their belt, Kevin and Camden have been an invaluable asset to our community and the southeast region," Deputy County Manager Patrick Niland said. "Their dedication and expertise have left an indelible mark on fire investigation and public safety."
Camden will officially retire on New Year's Day in 2024 with Rigoli following closely afterward on Jan. 31, 2024. Their retirement plans include long naps in the sun and relaxing days on the lake -- most likely interchangeably.
“I am very thankful for everyone who took time to teach and mentor me throughout my career," Rigoli said. "It has been an honor to serve the community that I love so much.”
The new Union County Fire Marshal will be Jon Williams who is a native of the area.
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