Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Warsaw Police Department now has two new weapons to use in its fight against illegal narcotics in Kosciusko County.
The department recently purchased two new canines named Buddy and Pako with the help from a $24,000 grant from the Kosciusko 21st Century Foundation.
The canines will assist the department in protecting officers, conducting search procedures and drug detection.
The department retired its black German shepherd, Hero, in May. He has been with the department since 1997.
This will be the first time the department has had two dogs.
"The average life span of a canine is 8 to 10 years, and Hero was at 9 years so it was time for him to retire," said Lt. Kip Shuter.
Shuter said having two canines will help reduce the department having to call off-duty officers to conduct searches.
"Our goal is to have one dog on each shift," Shuter said.
Officer Al Dials has worked with Hero over the years and said the dog has done a service for the department and community.
"Hero has helped with everything from finding drugs to tracking criminals," Dials said.
"I have been proud to work with Hero in serving the community."
Dials said he will keep the dog as a personal pet.
The dogs were trained at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., and graduated from the program in July.
Police Chief Steve Foster applied for the grant that helped purchase the dogs in January. The Foundation granted the award in March.
Capt. Perry Hunter said he is grateful for the assistance in purchasing the canines.
"We wouldn't have been able to purchase the canines without the help of the 21st Century Foundation because the money was not in our budget," said Capt. Perry Hunter.
The grant helped fund purchasing the dogs, provide training and items such as a leather muzzle, choke chain and leather collar. The grant also covered the purchase of K-9 crates that will be in the department's police cars.
Holly Swoverland, administrative assistant for the Kosciusko 21st Century Foundation, said the Foundation is glad to assist the department.
"Our mission states that we deal and help with wellness issues in the community," Swoverland said.
"We hope the canines will stop the potential influx of drugs in our community."
Foster said the dogs have already assisted the department in detecting crime in the county.
"The dogs have been affective in terms of performance and have allowed officers to take control of situations," Foster said.
Officers Joel Beam and Brandon Zartman serve as the dog's handlers and said they have assisted them in solving crime.
Beam's dog Buddy, a 2-1/2-year-old Belgian Malinois, originally from the Netherlands, helped him in tracking marijuana in a case in Mentone.
"Both of the dogs are passive, extremely fast and tenacious and will sit down when you command them," Beam said.
He said he had always wanted to become a canine handler and is glad he has the opportunity to work with Buddy.
Zartman's dog, Pako, a 2-year-old dog from Holland, assisted him in a felony apprehension in July.
"Pako tracked two kids who were found to be breaking into a vehicle," Zartman said.
He said Pako listens by command and is observant.
Mayor Ernie Wiggins said the canines will equip the department in deterring crime.
"The foundation's grant speaks well of the spirit of K-21 and will allow the police department to serve our citizens," Wiggins said.
