Commission honors long‑serving officers; canine unit awarded grant

The Michigan City Police Civil Service Commission used part of its Feb. 11 meeting to recognize long‑serving staff and to note a new grant award for the department’s canine program.

Chief (Unidentified Speaker 3) presented the 2025 Officer Chris Smith Award to K‑9 Officer Steven Weigel, citing Officer Smith’s legacy of integrity and a note Smith wrote about perseverance: “I will work equally hard to keep it,” the chief read when describing Smith’s words. Commissioners congratulated Weigel and other honorees.

Officer Dylan Travis was recognized for 20 years of service to the department, with colleagues noting his leadership on patrol. Officer Donna Chavez was recognized for 25 years of service and for roles including field training officer and certified hostage negotiator.

The chief also reported that the canine division received grant funding from the MAC Center (Valparaiso) via the S50 K‑9 fund to purchase training equipment and support an expansion to five canines. When asked whether the grant would cover protective vests for the dogs, the chief said the grant prioritized training equipment and that some vests had been donated; department staff said they would continue seeking additional funding to outfit all canines with vests.

The chief recommended removing Officer Jose Modajaro from probation after completing the minimum probationary period required by commission rules; the recommendation was presented for commission approval but the transcript does not record a formal roll‑call vote during the meeting.

Ending: Commissioners praised the long‑serving employees and thanked staff for the grant work; any formal personnel actions (probation removal) will be recorded in subsequent minutes if voted.