Valpo Police Add 6th K9 To The Team
The Valparaiso Police have added an additional canine to their existing unit, Valparaiso Police announced Monday. This will bring the unit up to six canine teams, with the new edition being the only team certified in explosive detection, in addition to full patrol capabilities. Full patrol capabilities include the use of the canine in tracking, building search, area search, aggression control, and obedience. All other Valparaiso Police canines are certified in narcotic detection with full patrol capabilities.
Marko, an 18 month old German Shepherd has been partnered with Lt. Sean Kostelnik. This is a return to canine handling for Lt. Kostelnik, whose last partner, Cora, retired in 2005. Lt. Kostelnik is a 24 year veteran of the Valparaiso Police Department, working his entire career in patrol. Marko and Lt. Kostelnik received their explosive detection training in Berrien Spring, Michigan, while attending courses at F.M K9. Valparaiso Police Sgt. Todd Kobitz, a Master Trainer through the North American Police Work Dog Association, completed the remaining training and certification of the team in all other canine disciplines. Lt. Kostelnik and Marko will begin their official partnership tomorrow, as they hit the streets of Valparaiso.
The Valparaiso Police would like to thank Valparaiso Events for their contribution that made this addition possible. Valparaiso Events contributed 100% of the funding toward the purchase of Marko, adding new capabilities to our department and canine unit.
