Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE - Barking orders is not among the duties of Winona Lake's newest police officer, but passersby are likely to hear Jack voicing displeasure at their being outside his squad car.
Officer Chad Stevens admits that Jack isn't very sociable, but believes he is an asset to the department.
Jack, a 2-year-old German shepherd, comes to Winona Lake Police Department from Czechoslovakia. He has been "on the street" for about six weeks after completing six weeks of training.
Stevens is Jack's handler and partner, with Jack residing in a kennel at Stevens' residence when not on duty.
Jack received his training from Faus K-9 Specialties, Elkhart, and is certified by the North American Police Working Dog Association and the Indiana Police Working Dog Association. His training includes officer protection; building, area and article search; narcotics detection; tracking; and obedience.
While Jack is "not a super social dog," Stevens said that he is available for demonstrations and Jack has already strutted his stuff at the Mermaid Festival, Winona Lake Days and the county's boot camp program.
Not being social doesn't mean that the dog is aggressive, but Stevens said that Jack is work-oriented and doesn't necessarily want to be petted by strangers.
In the short time that Jack has been with the department, his skills have already been put to the test, with vehicle searches in which he found drugs, as well as a couple of house searches.
The acquisition of Jack and initiation of the K-9 program at WLPD was made possible through donations from several individuals and businesses in the area. Donations for continuation of the program will be accepted.
Any service organization, group or club wanting to have a demonstration of Jack's work can contact Stevens through the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department dispatch center at 267-5667.
