Purdue Police Department celebrates officers' achievements and new K-9 team

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue University Police Department on Monday (Aug. 21) recognized an officer’s promotion, congratulated a winner from last week's World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles, and introduced the department’s newest K-9 team.

Two K-9 units that placed during the K-9 Olympics last week, also were recognized.

Allen B. Myles was pinned as a lieutenant during the event in the TERRY Conference Room at the police department, 205 S. Martin Jischke Drive. Myles has been with the Purdue Police Department since 2004. He has served in a variety of roles including patrol officer, special response team operator and member of the FBI Task Force. He currently serves as a defensive tactics instructor, S.T.O.P.S. (Strategies and Tactics of Patrol Stops) instructor, and field training officer.

Officer Albert Demello and Mocca are the newest K-9 team in the department. Demello has been with the department less than a year and is an experienced K-9 handler and trainer, as well as defensive tactics instructor. Mocca is a dual-purpose canine trained in explosives detection and patrol. He is a male Dutch shepherd from Hungary and was trained at Von Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana.

Purdue University police chief John Cox congratulates officer Rodney Dilling for winning a CrossFit division at the World Police and Fire Games, held in Los Angeles. (Purdue University photo) Download image

With the introduction of Mocca, the department now has four canines. Macho, a Dutch shepherd was added to the force in 2010 and also is trained in detecting explosives. Senna, a Belgian malinois, was added last November; and Paco, a Dutch shepherd, in 2015. Both are trained in narcotics detection and apprehension.

Officer Rodney Dilling also received recognition for capturing a first-place finish during the World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles that began on Aug. 6 and ended Wednesday (Aug. 16).

Dilling, a member of Purdue’s police force since 2014, took the top spot in the CrossFit competition of the Masters Division, age 50-54 bracket. The two-day competition began Monday (Aug. 14) and was completed Tuesday (Aug. 15). CrossFit is a high-intensity fitness program that incorporates elements from several sports and types of exercise. He earned the right to compete in the World Games with his results in the CrossFit Open during the spring, when he was a top-five finisher for police officers worldwide.

From left, K-9 officers Kevin Balzer and Senna, Albert Demello and Mocca, and Gabe Argerbright and Macho, were recognized along with Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Pat Harrington (second from left) during the ceremony. (Purdue University photo) Download image

“This is a testament to officer Dilling’s dedication and lifelong commitment to fitness,” Purdue police chief John Cox said. “We couldn’t be more proud.”

Dilling coaches and works out at the CrossFit Uncommon affiliate in Lafayette.

In the K-9 Olympics last week at the Von Liche Kennels, the Purdue Police Department K-9 teams of officer Gabe Argerbright and Macho, and officer Albert Demello and Mocca, placed high in respective events. Argerbright and Macho placed first in explosive residential and third in explosive door bottoms competitions. Demello and Mocca were second in explosive residential. More than 90 teams from around the world participated in competitions. 

Writer: Kelsey Schnieders, kschnied@purdue.edu

Contact: Carol Baunach, cebaunach@purdue.edu