Dover unveils new K-9 officer memorial
K-9 handler Jordan Doughty, left, K-9 officer Red and Dover Council member Sandy Moss with the new memorial to Dover's K-9s.
The City of Dover unveiled a new memorial on Nov. 4 to remember the four-footed K-9 police officers who have served the city.
When K-9 officer Rex passed away in 2022, Dover Council member Sandy Moss wanted to ensure he was remembered for his service to the city. She researched memorials and began raising funds for the project. A donation came in late last year that put them over the top.
“In January I ordered our statue,” Moss said.
She worked with sculptor Lena Toritch of the Young Fine Arts Studio in Salt Lake City to complete the statue. “We communicated back and forth over the past 10 months. I sent her pictures of Rex and talked about what we wanted on it,” Moss said.
Moss also worked with Scott Harmon, superintendent of the Dover Cemetery Department, figuring out the design and placement of the memorial. It is located on the southeast square of Dover close to the police department. A flagpole will be placed in the spring with a thin blue line flag placed there.
A huge supporter of Dover’s K-9 program, Moss felt connected to Rex. They became friends one day when she allowed him to make a potty stop in her flower garden.
“These canines are working dogs. They’re not out just to get the bad guys. They are partners, and they are protectors to their handlers,” Moss said.
Most police dogs are Belgian Malinois.
“A true warrior fights, not because he hates what’s in front of him, but because he loves the one behind him, and that was truly Rex,” Moss said.
Chris Heslop, a K-9 trainer with the Association Bureau of Professional Development at the Canton Police Department, also spoke at the memorial. Heslop said Rex was the second K-9 to work in the city of Dover. K-9 King served in the police department from 1974-76. Rex served from 2014-22. K-9 Red began serving the city in 2022.
“Bringing back the canine unit has been probably one of the best decisions the administration ever made,” Heslop said. “Rex and officer Nedrow made an impact in Dover that will live on for years to come. The statue is an eternal symbol, not only of what lies before, but what successes that lie ahead. I’m humbled to have worked with K-9 Rex and officer Nedrow, and I’m honored that I’m able to witness the achievements of his successor K-9 Red.”
Officer Jordan Doughty is the handler for K-9 Red.
Mayor Shane Gunnoe said he’s pleased the community also has supported the K-9 program. Gunnoe was a council member when the K-9 program was restored in Dover. Then the community stepped up with donations to make it possible and again last year when a K-9 memorial was suggested.
“I’m overwhelmed constantly with how generous our community is, how many projects are established by a group of individuals coming together,” Gunnoe said as he thanked the donors of the memorial project. “I hope it will stand as a tribute to the members of the Dover Police Department who serve as canine handlers.”
Gunnoe also credited all the men and women of the Dover Police Department. “(They) do a wonderful job day in and day out,” he said.
The City of Dover Cemetery Department helped with placing the monument and revealing the K-9 statue.
Gerry Mroczkowski, director of safety/human resources, thanked those who made donations toward the project including Ward 3 council member Sandy Moss and Rick Moss, Fraternal Order of Police - Tuscora Lodge #4, the Dover Exchange Club, Debbie Lehman, Rosemary Eltonhead, Lori Perkowski, Gary and Mary Rennicker, George and Charlene Knowles, Shari Fischio, Kevin Korns, Phillip and Ann Keller, Richard and Patricia Bible, Judith Marshall, Robert Mueller, Greg Bair, Linda Fox, Don and Kay Watson, Rex Emler, and Beverly McCall.
The memorial has space for more paw-print plaques to honor the many dogs who will serve throughout the years.