FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Press Release): The Indiana State Police post in Fort Wayne has added a Patrol K-9 team to its District with the graduation of Trooper Tyson Waldron and his partner Zeus last Friday at the Indiana State Police Museum in Indianapolis.  The ceremony graduated a total of six new State Police K-9 teams, bringing the total number of the agency’s teams to 29 statewide.  They become the second K-9 team to operate out of the Fort Wayne post.

The ceremony graduated a total of six new State Police K-9 teams, bringing the total number of the agency’s teams to 29 statewide.  They become the second K-9 team to operate out of the Fort Wayne post.

Waldron, a four-year veteran, and Zeus just completed 12 weeks of intense training in which Zeus accumulated 400 hours of training in narcotic searches, aggression control work, building searches, tracking, article searches, and obedience.

Zeus is a certified Police Service Dog through the International Police Work Dog Association (IPWADA). He is certified in the detection of narcotic odors related to Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Ecstasy, and Heroin.

The K-9 academy is operated under the direction of ISP Master Trainers Sergeant Dennis Wade, Master Trooper Kevin Waters, Master Trooper Mick Dockery, Master Trooper Chris Richey, along with ISP Special Operations Commander Major Pat O’Connor.

“I chose the name Zeus in honor of my oldest brother’s K-9 partner who lost a battle with cancer while serving with the Defiance Police Department in Ohio”, said Waldron.

The graduation ceremony was further highlighted by a surprise marriage proposal from Waldron to his girlfriend, Emily Skidmore.

She said “yes.”