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Corrections Dog Dies When Vehicle Catches Fire On I-68

FLINTSTONE, Md. (AP) -- Corrections officials say a dog with the K9 unit at the Cumberland prison complex died when the car it was traveling in caught fire. A second corrections dog was rescued by two officers, who were not hurt.

According to the Allegany County 911 Emergency Center, a car fire was reported about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday on Interstate 68 in Flintstone.

Mark Vernarelli is a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. He says in an email that the two dogs and two officers were driving to the Cumberland complex, where they were assigned.

Vernarelli says the dog that died had recently completed the K9 unit's training program, in which dogs are trained contraband detection and patrol.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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