On Saturday, May 11, 2019, as part of National Peace Officers Memorial Week, our country will remember some very special fallen heroes, our K-9 units. A memorial service will be held in Washington D.C. The ceremony will include a wreath laid to honor the memory of fallen police K-9s who have given their lives in the line of duty. 

Last year this time, J.V. Seibel & Sons was commissioned to create a sculpture setting, for a statue honoring all other police dogs, past, present and future. 

Created by artist Lena Toritch, the monument was set in the courtyard between the St. Louis County Police building and the County Government Center in Clayton, Mo.

The public art project was spearheaded by P.A.W. Stoppers, Inc. board member and St. Louis County Police Officer, Mike Castellano. P.A.W. Stoppers, Inc. is a non profit organization that helps support active and retired police canines. 

St. Louis County Parks Landscape Architect, Michael Flad brought us onboard. Michael oversees the design and master planning of projects in the St. Louis County parks system.

The three of us then worked together to create the perfect space, setting and surroundings for this sculpture.

It’s easy to see why we enjoy our job so much. In addition to loving the work, we also get to be a part of so many special moments and celebrations in our community.

Sculpture Settings

Knowing how to safely move and work with sculptures, sometimes weighing up to several thousands pounds, can be a daunting task. And every sculpture requires a different kind of anchor to properly secure it. It takes experience and technical expertise to do it right.

At J.V. Seibel & Sons, we utilize advanced techniques tailored to the specific logistical needs of each installation.

As skilled craftsmen, we appreciate the days, sometimes years it takes to finish a sculpture. A piece of art requiring that much time and energy deserves a strong and beautiful foundation.

Scroll down to see some photos of how this project came together. 

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.

Police dogs spend their careers searching for explosives, weapons, drugs or other contraband. They also find missing people, apprehend suspects, and sometimes attend special events. The job is diverse and the benefits they bring to their human partners and the public they serve are many.