Tinley Park's New K-9 Officers Sworn In

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park's two newest officers are officially badged and ready to take down the bad guys after their swearing-in ceremonies last week.

Helmut and Ron, two German shepherds who are now fully trained, were purchased from Advanced Detection Paw Palace, a Lynwood facility that breeds and trains police dogs. One of the dogs was budgeted for in the village's 2022 budget, and the other was donated by Will County officials through the state's attorney's 'K-9s for Cops" program.

Both Helmut and Ron were bred in the Czech Republic. Helmut is handled by Officer Kelly Sweeney and Ron by Officer Vince Murmann.

"They excelled, they did better than any other dog that was trained with them," said Police Chief Matt Walsh during the August 3 Special Meeting of the Tinley Park Village Board.

The dogs have also been equipped with K-9 first aid backpacks and goggles, through donation by the Tinley Park Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. The group funded the donations through membership fees and fundraising events, said Karen Tobola, secretary of the organization.