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LaPorte County Sheriff’s K-9 Marko dies, remembered for years of service
Some heroes wear collars, not capes. Marko, a German shepherd K-9 unit for LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, was remembered for his 10 years of service and numerous drug busts. Marko worked in narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension during his time as a police dog, according to a LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office news release. Sheriff John Boyd said the K-9 was successful in numerous felony apprehensions and tracking, as well as the discovery of large amounts of narcotics. “Marko and K-9 handler Dallas Smythe were the true definition of a team and could always be relied upon,” Boyd said. “Members of the sheriff’s office have many fond memories of Marko and he will be greatly missed. 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.” Marko began his career in April 2008 when he partnered with Smythe and retired on Dec. 31, 2017, becoming a permanent member in Smythe’s home. Marko lived to the age of 12 years old and had cancer at his time of death.
