Monument to service animals unveiled in Calgary
A memorial park to honour fallen police service dogs was opened Wednesday in northeast Calgary.
A bronze dog statue, monument and plaques to honour three fallen Calgary police dogs were unveiled during a ceremony at the newly established Calgary Police Canine Park at noon Wednesday. The park, at 5111 47th St. N.E. outside the Youthlink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre, memorializes the service of dogs Pharaoh, Sirk and Gino, who died in the line of duty.
“This is a fitting opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our police service dogs,” said Sgt. Jim Gourley of CPS' canine unit.
“This space will serve as an important spot for Youthlink visitors to learn about the history of the canine unit and the great work that our canine members do to keep Calgarians safe.”
The unit has played a role in community policing since 1960 and currently consists of more than 20 dogs. The dogs specialize in general patrol duties, and drugs, explosives and cadaver detection.
In addition to honouring Pharaoh, Sirk and Gino, the park commemorates all the devoted police dogs who have served alongside CPS officers.
The dog statue was created in partnership with Studio West Bronze Art Foundry & Gallery in Cochrane, according to Calgary police, who said the park was made possible by a donation from the Zeidler family in memory of Margaret (Midge) Zeidler.
Sgt. Carlee Bojarski, the executive director of Youthlink Calgary, said the park will be a place of commemoration and festivity for visitors to interact with.
“The canine exhibit is one of the most popular at Youthlink and visits from the unit are always a standout with our school groups. The Calgary Police Canine Park provides an extension of the exhibit that will live outside of Youthlink for hundreds of years to come,” said Bojarski.
The park will also be used for future canine graduation ceremonies, retirements and special events.