Paws for a cause
Calendar highlights NYPD’s hairy heroes
Get ready for the NYPD’s reallife paw patrol.
A city police organization has put out a cute calendar featuring photos of the force’s four-legged heroes — including dutiful dogs and heroic horses.
The hot-to-trot animal world pin-ups include equine officers, who are used to patrol large events, along with canines trained to sniff out bombs and fight terrorism, police told The Post.
“These animals are the front line every day,” said Gregg Roberts, executive director of the Police Foundation, the group that will be shopping out the calendar this week.
“They’re sniffing out explosives. They’re protecting the subways. They’re doing counterterrorism. And they’re even supporting the emotional well-being of the officers with therapy dogs.”
Barry Gelbman, inspector of the department’s Mounted Unit, said cops on horses are helpful to both locals and tourists because they’re easy to spot.
“The size of the horse and the visibility of the officer make them so approachable,” he said. “We have hundreds of people approach our officers every day. Some to just say ‘hello.’ Some looking for directions. Some need help.”
He added, “They’re out there, day in and day out, protecting the city’s citizens.”
The $30 NYPD Canine and Friends Calendar features photos of yellow Labradors, as well as pictures of police horses hoofing it next to an NYPD helicopter.
One photo shows a goofy police dog named Rhett — aka Mr. July — sporting sunglasses and an American flag bandana with his tongue hanging out. Others show a canine playfully posed on a motorcycle and an officer embracing his four-legged pal.
Proceeds from the calendar go to the Police Foundation’s programs and initiatives.