VWPD K-9 dog retires, new dog on job

Van Wert independent/VWPD information

After six years of service in the department’s K-9 unit, Sgt. Robert E. Black and his dog Taco are stepping down from the K-9 program due to the age and health of Taco.

“On behalf of the department and the City of Van Wert, I would like to thank Sergeant Black and Taco for their years of service and dedication to the K-9 unit,” said Van Wert Police Chief Joel Hammond. “Sergeant Black’s experience, expertise, and professional demeanor as a K-9 handler contributed to the overall success of the department’s program and will be missed.”

Taco will enjoy retirement with Sergeant Black and his family, who have agreed to keep him. Black will continue as a patrol supervisor and has also accepted the K-9 supervisor’s position with the department

Because of Taco’s retirement and a vacancy in the program, Chief Hammond announced the addition of Officer Jeremy L. Stemen and his dog, Bade, who have completed their training and have been certified in both narcotics detection and general-purpose police work to fill the Taco’s position. The two received their training at Von Liche Kennels, which is located in Denver, Ind.

Officer Stemen started with the department in March 2005 as a dispatcher and then became a reserve police officer in July of that year.  On April 6, 2008, he was sworn in as a full-time officer and has worked in patrol until being selected for the K-9 program.

Officer Stemen’s dog, Bade, is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois that was born in the Czech Republic.  In addition to training with Officer Stemen, Bade received specialized training before being imported by Von Liche Kennels.

With the earlier retirement of Lakkie, the department’s other K-9 unit, Officer Stemen and Bade are presently the only Van Wert police K-9 team.