Medford Police Unveil New K-9 Memorial
The memorial honors past and present K-9 teams, including Oxer, a member of Medford’s first police canine team.
The new memorial recognizes Medford Police K-9s past and present, preserving the names of dogs whose service became part of the department’s history. Photo provided by Medford Police.
MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford Police Department has unveiled a new K-9 memorial honoring the police dogs and handlers who have served the city.
The memorial is located in front of the Medford Police Station and was unveiled during a ceremony attended by city councilors, department leadership, retired MPD K-9 handlers, family members and friends.
According to the city, the new memorial replaces a previous tribute to K-9 Oxer that had been vandalized. Oxer served with handler Tony Young as part of Medford’s first police canine team, helping lay the foundation for the department’s K-9 program.
The new memorial honors Oxer and the many Medford Police K-9s who followed, recognizing the bond between the dogs, their handlers and the community they served.
Along with the names of MPD canines, the memorial includes the inscription, “In gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of Medford Police K9 teams. May their courage, loyalty, and service inspire us always.”
Medford Police Chief Trevor Arnold speaks during the unveiling of the department’s new K-9 memorial, which replaces a previous tribute to K-9 Oxer. Photo provided by Medford Police.
Medford Police Chief Trevor Arnold said the memorial is meant to recognize both past and present K-9 teams and the role they have played in protecting Medford.
“This memorial stands as a visible symbol of the dedication of the men, women, and dogs who have helped protect Medford over the years,” Arnold said.
Medford Police K-9 teams gathered for the memorial unveiling, honoring the bond between handlers and the police dogs who serve beside them. Photo provided by Medford Police.
Arnold said memorials help communities remember the people and animals whose service helped shape them.
“They tell a story about who we are, what we value, and whose contributions we choose to honor,” Arnold said.
For current and former handlers, the memorial also serves as a lasting reminder of partners who were more than working dogs. They were trusted members of the department, trained to face danger, serve with loyalty and stand beside their handlers through some of the most difficult moments of police work.
The city said the memorial was funded through the Council Community Initiative Fund, which is supported by local and state marijuana tax revenues.
Cover image: A new K-9 memorial outside the Medford Police Station honors the dogs and handlers who have served the city, including Oxer, a member of Medford’s first police canine team. Photo provided by Medford Police.
