Across Lincolnway, a quiet but powerful partnership is on patrol — one built on loyalty, dedication, and four paws. The K-9 units of Mokena, New Lenox, Manhattan, and Frankfort aren't just enhancing public safety. they’re deepening connections between departments and the people they serve. This Thanksgiving season, we take a moment to celebrate these remarkable teams and the gratitude that drives them.
For Officer Richard Criscione of the Mokena Police Department, becoming the village’s first K-9 Handler is more than a career milestone: it’s a calling. His partner, Kong, is a black German Shepherd from the Czech Republic. At just under two-years-old, Kong has already undergone intense training in narcotics detection, tracking, and article searches.
“Our typical day starts with training,” says Criscione, who recently completed the K-9 academy with Kong. “We go out to the forest preserve to track, then do narcotics detection drills with vehicles, lockers, or rooms. We always end with obedience.”
Though new to the force, Kong lives with Criscione full-time and has his own room and fenced yard at home. “He’s not just a tool, he’s a partner. Together, we’re helping remove narcotics from the streets and potentially saving lives.”
Criscione credits the launch of Mokena’s K-9 program to the support of the Will County State’s Attorney James W. Glasgow. “I’m thankful to be chosen for this role. Kong and I are putting in the work so that when we're needed, we’re ready.”
Officer Candace Guidry of the New Lenox Police Department describes her K-9 partner, Harlie, as more than a working dog — “She’s my shadow, my best friend, and my therapist on four legs.”
Harlie, a two-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, began her career as a shed hunting dog in Indiana before being paired with Guidry. The two completed a six-week police K-9 course and now log at least 16 hours of training each month to maintain certification in narcotics detection, tracking, and evidence recovery.
Harlie is the only K-9 Officer in New Lenox and plays a multi-faceted role. Whether tracking missing persons, searching parcels, or visiting schools, her impact goes far beyond crime-fighting. “She brings joy wherever she goes,” says Guidry. “She also helps our Officers decompress after stressful shifts.”
Off-duty, Harlie lives a life full of trail walks, farmer’s markets, and hot dogs. “Being her Handler is the most rewarding assignment I’ve ever had,” Guidry adds. “I’m thankful every day to have her by my side.”
For Chief Ryan Gulli of the Village of Manhattan Police Department, leadership takes on a unique dimension: he not only manages the department, but also serves as Handler to Apollo, a German Shorthaired Pointer born in Hungary.
“Every day starts with training,” says Gulli. “Then Apollo gets some downtime before we hit the road. He roams the department when we’re not responding to calls.”
Trained in narcotics detection, article recovery, and tracking, Apollo proved his skills early on. “Just two shifts after returning from training, he tracked and helped apprehend a retail theft suspect. That was our first real call, and he nailed it.”
Apollo is also Manhattan’s first-ever K-9. “His presence elevates every part of our department,” Gulli reflects. “He’s a deterrent, a crime fighter, and a bridge to the community. At home, he’s family, especially with my daughters. He knows when someone needs comfort.”
Officer Rafal Krupa and K-9 Pax are the newest addition to the Frankfort Police Department. Pax, a black Labrador Retriever, graduated from an 8-week academy in July 2025, trained in narcotics detection, tracking, article searches, and obedience.
“Every shift starts with training,” says Krupa. “Then we’re ready to respond to calls where Pax’s nose can make a difference.”
Pax, like his fellow K-9s, lives with his Handler and enjoys down time with his “two pit bull brothers.” But his impact on duty is profound. “He can cover large areas quickly and detect concealed threats. He’s a deterrent and a valuable resource in safety and community outreach.”
For Krupa, the partnership is personal. “Pax is more than a partner. He’s my best friend.”
These K-9 teams are redefining what it means to serve. They're not only making our streets safer, but also bringing comfort, compassion, and connection, one paw print at a time.
As we give thanks this season, we recognize the dedication of Officers Criscione, Guidry, Gulli, and Krupa, and of course, their incredible K-9 partners: Kong, Harlie, Apollo, and Pax. Together, they embody the spirit of service and the silent strength of loyalty that can’t be measured, only felt.
“Being her handler is the most rewarding assignment I’ve ever had" - Candance Guidry
"Apollo is family and my most trusted partner."
— Ryan Gulli