(Knox, IN) – Two Knox police officers led a coordinated effort to locate two missing juveniles over the weekend.

Upon receiving the report sometime late in the week, authorities began following leads and conducting interviews. According to Police Chief Chad Dulin, members of the Knox Community School Corporation’s IT Department, teachers, and staff contributed valuable information. Law enforcement, including four municipal departments and agencies in three counties, rallied in the search.

The two juveniles were located sometime Saturday in Porter County.

Dulin credited two members of his staff in particular, Detective Matthew Borkholder and Officer Joe West. The pair worked throughout Friday and overnight to bring the case to a successful conclusion, Dulin said. He also thanked citizens who volunteered their time, shared information, and searched areas where the juveniles may have been located. “Community involvement can be extremely valuable during incidents such as this,” Dulin said.

Dulin also noted that comments on social media and elsewhere alleging inactivity by his department were inaccurate and unnecessary. “The fact that we are not constantly posting updates on Facebook does not mean our officers are not working,” Dulin said in a social media post. “Before passing judgment on the actions of our officers, it is important to understand that much of a missing-person investigation happens behind the scenes,” he added.

“I am extremely proud of the dedication shown by Detective Borkholder, Officer West, and everyone who assisted during this investigation,” said Dulin. “These officers worked long hours because locating these juveniles and ensuring their safety was the priority.”