Lowell-Indiana State Police held a graduation ceremony, yesterday, for the 2015 ISP K-9 Class at the Indiana State Police Museum in Indianapolis. The ceremony graduated nine ISP troopers from around the state and their K-9 partners, along with one Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputy and his K-9 partner.
Master Trooper Steve Caylor, assigned to the Lowell Post, and his K-9 “Nikan” were among the graduates. Caylor is a 19 ½ year veteran of the department. “Nikan” is an 18 month old Malinherd (Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix) imported from Poland. “Nikan” will accompany Caylor on routine patrol within the Lowell District, which consists of Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Pulaski, and Starke Counties.
Caylor upon graduation from the ISP Police Academy in 1995 was assigned to the Lowell District working Porter/LaPorte Counties. He was then assigned as a detective on the gaming boats in 1997 for one year before returning to the Lowell District. In 2000 he transferred to the Putnamville District where he worked Morgan County for five years before he returned to Lowell and resumed working Porter/LaPorte Counties. Caylor was assigned to the Mustang program in 2008 and worked that until going into the K-9 program in 2015. Caylor was also a Field Training Officer and on the Tactical Intervention Platoon. He is originally from Kokomo and is a graduate of Kokomo High School. He also has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from Purdue University. He resides in Porter County with his family.
During the fourteen week academy, “Nikon” had 500 hours of training in narcotic searches, aggression control work, building searches, tracking, article searches, and obedience. “Nikon” is a certified Police Service Dog through the International Police Work Dog Association (IPWADA). “Nikon” is certified in the detection of narcotic odors related to Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Ecstasy, and Heroin. The K-9 academy was under the direction of ISP Master Trainer Sergeant Dennis Wade and trainers Master Trooper Kevin Waters, Senior Trooper Mick Dockery and Senior Trooper Chris Richey, along with ISP K-9 coordinator Tony Knox, and ISP Special Operations Commander Major Pat O’Connor.
Lieutenant Terry Gose, Commander of the Lowell District, stated, “Nikon is a welcomed asset to our district. His presence and Steve’s abilities will only enhance our service to the community to fight crime and illegal drug trafficking”.
