Officers Oberle and Axel.
Press release from MCPD
Michigan City Police Chief Mark Swistek would like to proudly announce the newest member of the department’s K-9 force, Axel, and his partner, Officer Michael Oberle.
In September 2017, applications were put out to all MDPD officers who had an interest in becoming a K-9 handler. After receiving numerous applications, Officer Oberle was selected by the department’s command staff.
In January 2018, Swistek and Oberle traveled to Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, IN, to select their newest recruit. Once there, after several demonstrations, they immediately picked Axel, a 16-month-old German shepherd from Hungary.
Oberle and Axel then participated in training for six weeks and began their bond and expertise in drug detention, search and apprehension work, graduating Feb. 23, 2018.
Since returning Axel has bonded with Oberle’s family, including his wife Jen and 2½-year-old daughter, Isabella.
Almost immediately, on March 2, Axel was called to duty to assist the Indiana State Police on a vehicle stop in Michigan City. Axel performed a “Free Air Sniff” on the vehicle and gave a response of drugs present. A search was then conducted and two small plastic baggies field tested positive for cocaine.