STREETSBORO, Ohio — The Streetsboro Police Department is preparing to welcome an amazing and adorable new member with an incredible backstory.
Mika is the city's newest K-9 officer, and will begin training at the academy in the coming months. The German Shepherd puppy is just 7 1/2 weeks old, having been born along with her five siblings on May 23.
However, her journey truly began more than a decade ago, with a fellow officer who lost his life in the line of duty.
By virtue of artificial insemination, Mika father is former Twinsburg Police K9 Bagio, whose partner Josh Miktarian was killed on the job in July of 2008. It had been Miktarian's dream to see Bagio's puppies continue the tradition of law enforcement, and Miktarian's widow Holly and daughter Thea recently decided to try and make it happen.
"Josh and his K9 partner Bagio had such an incredible bond," Holly Miktarian said in a statement released by Streetsboro police. "Josh loved him so much he obtained the assistance of Animal Clinic Northview so Bagio's legacy could live on through another generation. And now more than 17 years after he began the process, Josh's dream has come true."
The Miktarians' current German Shepherd, Nala, gave birth to the litter of puppies. Holly decided to donate one of the dogs to Streetsboro, and eventually, Mika passed the test.
"The addition of puppy Mika to the Streetsboro PD makes my daughter and I very proud," Holly continued. "I know Josh would be very proud of having one of Bagio's 'kids' making a difference in your community."
Once Mika's training is complete, she will be partnered with Officer Luke Nelson. Two other K-9s — Kaya and Reno — will also be there to help guide her along.
"Mika has big paws to fill but carries the legacy of her father with her. The members of Streetsboro PD are excited to have the opportunity to keep this connection to the past while moving forward to the future."