K-9 handler Wade promoted to ISP canine training officer

Sgt. Dennis Wade

PUTNAMVILLE -- Master Trooper Dennis Wade of the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and will serve as the department's canine training coordinator.

Wade received his promotion through written testing and a competitive interview process, Indiana State Police Supt. Paul Whitesell said.

As the canine training coordinator, a portion of his duties will include canine certifications and training for 36 current ISP handlers/canine partners and four additional handlers/canine partners from outside agencies, coordination of the selection for new canine handlers, and the instruction of Initial Basic Patrol Canine Classes.

Wade will also continue working with fellow state police handlers on the highway as needed.

A 16-year veteran of the department who graduated from the 53rd ISP Recruit School in December 1995, Wade was initially assigned to the Putnamville District, where he patrolled Putnam County until his transfer to the Drug Enforcement Section in 2000.

Sgt. Wade began his tenure in the DES as a criminal interdiction specialist and later enhanced his position by becoming a canine handler in 2006. In the fall of 2011, Sgt. Wade received his Master Trainer Accreditation from the International Police Work Dog Association and became the first ever ISP canine handler to receive such credentials.

During his time as a Criminal Interdiction Specialist/Canine Handler, Wade and his K-9 partner "Mojo" were responsible for some of the largest seizures in the history of the ISP with more than $2 million in U.S. currency, 100 kilos of cocaine, and 2000 pounds of marijuana seized.

Sgt. Wade holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served six years.

Wade and his family reside in Hendricks County.