For the first time in 40 years, the Phoenix Police Tactical Support Bureau K9 Unit will see an upgrade to its facility.
On Tuesday, construction began on the new canine kennels and facilities at the Phoenix Police Southern Command Station, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“The existing kennels have been in place for over 40 years and the new kennels will ensure that our dogs have a safe place to be housed in state-of-the-art equipment completely funded by private donations,” Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said during the groundbreaking.
The state-of-the-art project will create new indoor, climate-controlled kennels, an outdoor dog run with high-quality artificial turf and a stainless steel dog washing station.
“The kennel will provide modern and efficient housing for our K9 partners, as well as a place for the dogs to relax, play and stay when their human family members are on vacation,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said during the groundbreaking.
A splash pad will also be included within the new facility with a special purpose: It will honor Bane, a Phoenix Police K9 who was killed in the line of duty in 2018.
Funded by donations from Brycon — a general contractor with Arrington Watkins Architects alongside the Phoenix Police Foundation – the department will be able to provide a home away from home for the Phoenix Police Tactical Support Bureau K-9 Unit.
The Phoenix Police Tactical Support Bureau K9 Unit consists of three sergeants, 17 police officer handlers, and 17 police K-9s.
“This new project will provide a much-needed update to the kennels and provide a first-time play area, which everyone — and I think the officers are a little bit more excited than the K9s — is very excited about,” Lieutenant Roy Chalmer said during the groundbreaking.
Click here to watch the groundbreaking.
