WPD K-9 Pako To Retire After 6-1/2 Years Of Service
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Warsaw Police Department K-9 Pako will retire effective today due to health issues after serving the community for more than 6-1/2 years. Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker made the announcement during Friday’s Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. The board approved Pako’s handler, Corporal Allen Danko, to purchase Pako from the city for $1. Pako is a pure bred German Shepherd born in Holland Dec. 6, 2003. Pako performed his initial training in Amsterdam and received additional training at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., in early 2007. He joined the Warsaw Police Department June 6, 2007, via a grant from the K21 Foundation. Pako was involved in numerous narcotic and criminal investigations during his career. Pako and Danko had great success in the American Working Dog K-9 Olympics. In 2008, Pako came in first place in obedience. In 2009 the duo was part of a three man/dog team that finished first place in the Patrol Division category. In 2011, they came in first place in the individual Patrol Division category. Pako will remain at home with Danko and his family. The Warsaw Police Department has maintained two active K-9s since acquiring Pako and K-9 Buddy in 2007. With the recent acquisition of K-9 Dax, handled by Patrol Officer Phil Reed, the department will maintain two active K-9s.
