Kendall County Times

The Montgomery Village Police Department recently introduced a new member of the police force.

During the April 10 Montgomery Village Board meeting, police Chief Phillip Smith introduced Montgomery “Monty” Leo, the force’s new comfort dog. Monty was brought in by police Commander Elizabeth Palko to be introduced to the board members and community members in the audience.

"If I could ask Commander Palko to bring him down, he obviously is a comfort dog and it's going to be one of our newest ways to interact with our public," Smith said. "Everybody knows when this little guy walks in a room, it's just unconditional love and he lights up the room. We're hoping to use this for several things, for victims of crimes, for serious incidents, just to get people to relax. And I'm going to tell you every morning when this little guy sits in roll call, everybody smiles. So it's already working with our police department."

Palko told the board that the department had adopted Monty at the beginning of April and he was already in training with several other dogs. Monty is cared for by the entire department, who dote on him all day long according to Palko, taking him for walks throughout the day and stopping in neighborhoods to say hi throughout their shifts. 

Palko said the officers think this is the best thing the department has ever done. Monty is still a very young puppy, and was rescued from the local shelter after his mother was taken into the shelter and gave birth as a surprise to the workers. The officers have had a ton of community support for the K9 already and look forward to how he can help serve in the future.

Smith was also excited to be able to swear in a new human officer to the department, Kevin Karner. Originally from Homewood, Karner played football at Monmouth College. He worked with the Melrose Police Department for about a year and a half, and was eager to join the Montgomery department with his parents, wife, and two young sons in attendance to support him. Karner enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, and all types of athletics in his free time. The board president issued his oath of office, and Karner is now the newest member of the force.