The city has installed new signs at dog parks honoring local service dogs that have worked alongside police officers and firefighters to protect the community.
The Parks & Recreation Department placed the first two signs at Vista del Norte Dog Park and Westgate Dog Park on Thursday, with plans to install signs at eight additional parks throughout the city.
“These dogs have served side-by-side with their officers and handlers to keep our neighborhoods safe,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement. “The signs remind us of the dogs’ skill and dedication to their job and their people.”
Each sign features a photograph of the honored dog along with a biography detailing their service contributions. The initial batch recognizes working dogs from Albuquerque Fire Rescue, the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
The Vista del Norte sign honors Louise, known as “Wheezy,” who serves as Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s first nationally accredited accelerant detection canine. Louise attended the unveiling with her handler, Lt. Ron Gunderson.
“It is an honor to work as Louise’s handler—she is gifted,” Gunderson said. “Working as a team, and being her partner, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career in the Fire Investigations Division of Albuquerque Fire Rescue.”
The Westgate Park sign recognizes Zorko, a retired Albuquerque Police Department service dog credited with apprehending more than 80 violent felony suspects during his career.
Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon said the signs will enhance the dog park experience while preserving the animals’ contributions to public safety.
“We wanted to pause, reflect on, and honor the incredible impact these dogs have in our community,” Simon said.
The remaining eight dogs honored in the initial installation include Wrigley, Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s first crisis-response canine; Sjef, a retired police dog who assisted with more than 200 captures; and Chack, a sheriff’s office dog who helped seize more than $1 million worth of narcotics.
Other honorees include Arco, a police dog injured during an armed robbery in 1989 who still apprehended the suspect and received a medal of bravery; Jopy, who completed national training including agility, swimming and rappelling; Lex, who located more than 180 suspects; Diesel, who found a violent suspect hiding in a resident’s shed; and Gino, who helped solve three bank robberies.
The city operates 30 dog parks throughout Albuquerque. Residents can find locations at cabq.gov/dogparks.
The Parks & Recreation Department is accepting nominations for additional dogs to honor at other parks. Nominations can be submitted to ABQStories@cabq.gov.