New memorial garden Winnipeg’s police dogs

A new memorial honours the service and sacrifice of police dogs in Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) has unveiled a permanent memorial to honour the police dogs that have served alongside their handlers and citizens of the city.

Located next to the canine unit building on Durand Rd., the memorial features “Forever Faithful,” a bronze sculpture by California artist Susan Bahary that celebrates the animal-human bond.

Four granite pillars also showcase the names, badge numbers and years of service of WPS dogs since the canine unit’s inception in 1971. Since then, more than 78 police dogs have served with the police force.

“These dogs were not just part of our team. They were our protectors, our companions, and our family,” said WPS Chief Gene Bowers during the unveiling ceremony on Wednesday.

“The memorial is not just about loss, it’s about gratitude, gratitude for life saved, for service given, and for the example these dogs set for all of us.”

Sgt. Gail Tereck-McDonald, who oversees the canine unit, said the pillars will also have names of service dogs added in the future. She said the memorial garden is a reminder of the “bond, the loyalty, strength of character and passion” of the canine team.

Conceptualized in 2016, the memorial was made possible through eight fundraising initiatives and construction began earlier this summer. The WPS said hundreds of citizens, organizations and police members contributed funds to make the project possible.

A WPS spokesperson said the total cost for the memorial was approximately $190,000.

“Together, handler and dog form a team that protects our community in ways few can fully understand,” said Insp. Eric Luke, a former handler and trainer with the canine unit and now commander of the WPS specialty units division.

“Tracking suspects, rescuing the vulnerable, detecting threats, and standing strong in the face of danger where others cannot—their courage is matched only by the dedication of the handlers who stand beside them through every challenge.”

Leading to the memorial is a pathway of 436 engraved memory stones, which were donated by citizens and corporate partners. Each stone features a message in tribute of a loved one, a pet or a working dog.

The memorial is available for both officers and citizens to attend.