Four More Paw-Some K-9s Honored

ALBUQUERQUE – Four new K-9 Hero signs honoring retired Albuquerque Police Department (APD) service dogs were unveiled at parks citywide this week. A celebration at Wells Park honored Gino, who was remembered by his handler, Sgt. Luke McPeek.

“Gino was family” said APD Sergeant Luke McPeek “These K-9s are a valuable asset to our City and our community’s safety”

“Our K-9 heroes gave years of loyal service to Albuquerque, helping solve serious crimes and protect lives,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These signs are a way for the community to say thank you and celebrate the bravery, intelligence, and heart these dogs brought to the job every day.”

Other newly installed signs honor Jopy at Tom Bolack Dog Park, Lex at Canine Skyline Dog Park, and Diesel at Santa Fe Village Dog Park. Each sign shares the story of the K-9’s service:

• Gino served 2013-2021, contributing to several major cases including apprehension of a suspect connected to multiple bank robberies.
• Jopy served 2016-2021, assisting in numerous violent felony apprehensions.
• Lex served 2012-2019, completing 28 violent felony apprehensions and more that 180 finds, and received national recognition for his role during a SWAT deployment.
• Diesel served 2014-2020 and was instrumental in multiple violent felony apprehensions, including a high-risk suspect search.

The K-9 Hero dog sign initiative launched in August 2025 with signs honoring Zorko at Westgate Dog Park and Louise, AFR’s first nationally accredited accelerant detection K-9, at the Vista del Norte dog park.

“The work of these smart, dedicated animals and their devoted partner-handlers deserves recognition,” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon. “These signs add lasting meaning to our parks, and who knows — maybe they will inspire a young person to public service or a puppy to K-9 greatness.”

This initiative will continue with future installations across city parks to educate the public and celebrate the service and legacy of working dogs from multiple public safety agencies.

The Parks & Recreation Department invites people to nominate dogs to honor at [email protected].