K-9 Memorial To Be Unveiled By Nam Knights, City Of Temple Terrace

TEMPLE TERRACE, FL — The City of Temple Terrace is partnering with the Nam Knights Westside Motorcycle Club to honor some of the Tampa Bay region's four-legged heroes.

The new regional K-9 memorial will be unveiled at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, at the Temple Terrace City Hall, 11250 N. 56th St.

The Nam Knights raised approximately $30,000 over the course of several years to purchase the materials for the memorial, which include a bronze statue of a dog that will act as the centerpiece.

The monument is surrounded by bricks engraved with the names of 34 law enforcement K-9s who have reached their end of watch. Gold stars designate those dogs that died in the line of duty.

More bricks will be added as additional names are collected.

"The Temple Terrace Police Department is honored to serve as the host agency for this very important and long overdue tribute to our K-9 partners," said Temple Terrace Police Chief Ken Albano. "This regional K-9 memorial will serve as a constant reminder to all who have the opportunity to see it of the unfailing loyalty, commitment and fearless dedication to duty that is the hallmark of all law enforcement K-9s' service to their communities."

"The Westside Chapter of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club has a long history of providing assistance to military veterans and law enforcement in the Bay area," said Deputy Travis Wright, president of the club and a K-9 handler with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office."Each time we take on a project, we hope to make a difference and a positive impact in the community. This memorial will be an important place for people to come and pay respect to all law enforcement K-9s."

Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross and other local elected officials, Albano and representatives from regional law enforcement agencies in Tampa, Plant City, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County will take part in the dedication ceremony.

The public is also invited.