Along with making drug busts and apprehending dangerous suspects, two new members of the Kokomo Police Department are a rare breed of officers — the four-legged variety.
Trained in drug detection, searches and apprehensions, Danny and Nardo, both Belgian Malinois dogs, are replacing K-9s Max and Remco, who served the community for 10 and seven years, respectively.
“These dog are invaluable when it comes to making apprehensions and felony and narcotic arrests,” said Detective Tonda Cockrell of the department’s drug task force.
The new K-9s, purchased and trained by Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind., will be teamed with Officers Ryan Shuey and Brian Hunt. They will join K-9s Bukus and Tarrah in the department.
Shuey, who had been Max’s handler since 2006, said the K-9s are valuable tools for police when it comes to taking down drug dealers and tracking suspects.
“They’re pretty successful,” said Shuey. “They’ve had so many drug arrests. Without them, some suspects would have gotten away.”
Along with being trained to sniff out drugs, find suspects and protect their handlers, the K-9s are sociable dogs and good around people, Shuey said.
“We wanted a dog that’s sociable around people and kids and can be ready when it comes to doing the job,” he said of the new K-9s.
As for his former K-9 partner, Max, Shuey said he will become the family pet.
Kokomo police formally welcomed two of their newest officers by unveiling them to the public during the Cash for Canines community fundraiser Saturday at Lucas Home Furnishings. The event was planned to help raise funds for the dogs.
Despite a steady rain Saturday, a large crowd of people came out to meet the new furry officers and to see them in action.
The Cash for Canines fundraiser brought in $3,800 from donations prior to the event and raised an additional $2,700 Saturday.
“This is a good opportunity for the people to see what the K-9s and officers do for the community,” said Ken Lucas, owner of Lucas Home Furnishings.
The event featured free food from White’s Meat Market, K-9 demonstrations and tours of the department’s SWAT vehicles along with ID kits for children.
“This has been a great day,” Lucas said. “We have people lined up for the kid’s ID kits and they get to meet McGruff, the crime fighting dog, and we’re raising money for a great program.”
Over on the grill, Howard White of White’s Meat Market, did his part by serving up hamburgers and hot dogs for the hungry crowd.
“These dogs are very important to the community and the [police] department. We need more of them,” said White of the usefulness of the K-9 officers.
• Mike Fletcher, Tribune crime reporter, may be reached at 765-454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com
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