The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is saddened to announce that retired K9 Marko has passed away at the age of twelve. Marko, a German Shepherd, was born in November of 2006 and acquired by the Sheriff’s Office in 2008. He was partnered with Sheriff’s Deputy Dallas Smythe from April 2008 until the time of his retirement on December 31, 2017. He retired after ten years of service and upon his retirement was able to become a permanent member his handler’s home and family. At the time of his death he was suffering from cancer. Marko was certified in narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension and during his service to the Sheriff’s Office was successful in numerous felony apprehensions and tracking as well as the discovery of large amounts of narcotics. Sheriff John Boyd stated: “Marko and K9 handler Dallas Smythe were the true definition of a team and could always be relied upon. Members of the Sheriff’s Office have many fond memories of Marko and he will be greatly missed.” Sheriff Boyd added: “There is no question that Marko prevented a number of potential injuries to our deputies by merely deescalating a hostile suspect with his presence. In addition, on several occasions he placed himself in harm’s way in order to protect the deputies with whom he served. We will be forever grateful of his service.”
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is currently served by four K9’s and their handlers: Jager and his partner Deputy Andrew Morse; Hokie and his handler, Deputy Andrew Hahn; Argo and his handler, Deputy Bobby Greer; Bosco and his handler, Deputy Jonathon Samuelson. Bosco, Hokie and Jager are certified in narcotics detection, apprehension and tracking and Argo is certified in explosives detection and apprehension and tracking.