Greater Cleveland RTA welcomes new K-9 officer Valto

CLEVELAND — The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has a new crimefighter. His name is Valto.

Valto will replace retiring K-9 Kubo as the agency's only dual-purpose canine. This means he will be trained to detect explosive devices and patrol.

“We are grateful for the years of service that Officer Kubo provided to the Greater Cleveland community and are excited to have Officer Valto join our department,” said Transit Police Chief John Joyce in a statement.

Valto will use the protective vest that Kubo received from Brady’s K-9 Fund last year.

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RTA police have eight K-9 officers, more than any other Greater Cleveland police department.

The RTA canines are called to assist other law enforcement agencies in the area.

Valto will live with his partner, Transit Police Officer Dennis Harmon, along with the Harmon family.

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