Plainfield Riverfront K9 Memorial

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Plainfield Riverfront K9 Memorial

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A memorial designed to honor the past Plainfield Police K9s and Plainfield Fire Protection K9 for their valiant service to the Village of Plainfield.

This location once served as the training grounds for the Plainfield Police K9s back in the early 80s. The History of the Plainfield Police K9

The Village of Plainfield started a Police K9 Unit in the 1970’s. Since this time we have had (8) Police Service Dogs and (1) Plainfield Fire District Service Dog working in Plainfield:

 1977 – 1982 K9 Handler Officer Corky Lantz
o K9 Luger (Doberman)

 1978 – 1983 K9 Handler Officer Bobby Bostanche
o K9 TJ (Doberman)

 1984 – 1985 K9 Handler Officer Bobby Bostanche
o K9 Brutus (German Shepherd)

 1984– 1987 K9 Handler Officer Ed Bennett
o K9 Blackie (German Shepherd)

 1985 – 1987 K9 Handler Officer Tom Fassiotto
o K9 Corporal (German Shepherd)

 1998 – 2006 K9 Handler Officer Jim Caliendo
o K9 Foster (German Shepherd)

 2006 – 2014 K9 Handler Officer Brian Wagner
o K9 Aron (German Shepherd)

 2013 – 2020 K9 Handler Officer Tracy Caliendo
o K9 Kody (German Shepherd)

 2004 – 2018 K9 Handler Chief Jon Stratton
o K9 Blaze (Labrador Retriever)

Many of the K9 Handlers are still alive, but all the Police Service Dogs and Fire Protection Dog have since passed. K9s Luger, Blackie, and TJ are currently buried at their old police K9 training field located on the property known know as the Plainfield Riverfront, located at 24321 Lockport Street. In the late 1970s – early 1980s police service dogs from Plainfield and other surrounding agencies would train at this field. The field consisted of various types of agility equipment to help train the service dogs for situations they may face on the street. The field was phased out and removed by the mid-1980s, leaving only a large boulder behind as a somewhat landmark of where the training field once stood. In June of 2018, after (2) years of planning, the Plainfield Police K9 Memorial was built to honor the past police service dogs of the Plainfield Police Department and the past Plainfield Fire Protection service dog for their valiant service. This memorial stands at the very location the training field once stood. The boulder that once was used to mark its past location, is now a part of this living memorial.

07/25/2026

Did you ever read the words on the back? 💙

"Trust in me my friend, for I am your comrade. I will protect you with my last breath. When all others have left you and the loneliness of the night closes in, I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all obstacles, and search out those who wish to do harm to others. All I ask of you is compassion, and the caring touch of your hands. It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life and spend my nights unrested.

Although our days together may be marked by the passing of the seasons know that each day by your side is my reward.

My days are measured by the coming and going of your footsteps. I anticipate them at every opening of the door. You are the voice of caring when I am ill, the voice of authority when I have done wrong.

Do not chastise me unduly, for I am your right arm, the sword at your side. I attempt to do only what you bid of me. I seek only to please you and remain in your favor.

Together you and I shall experience a bond only others like us will understand. When outsiders see us together, their envy will be measured by their disdain.

I'll quietly listen to you and pass no judgment, nor will your spoken words be repeated. I will remain ever silent, ever vigilant, ever loyal. And when our time together is done and you move on in the world, remember me with kind thoughts and tales.

For a time we were unbeatable, nothing passed among us undetected.

If we should meet again on another street I will gladly take up your fight, I am a Police Working Dog and together we are Guardians of the Night"

06/26/2026

On this day we remember Officer K9 Kody. Thank you for your service🐾🚔🚨

06/04/2026

June is a special month for us…

The memorial was dedicated on June 6, 2018. It was truly an amazing day.

June 26, 2020 was a difficult one, indeed. It was the day that K9 Kody lost his battle with cancer.

We are so grateful that we have this place of peace to remember all those who served and their names are etched onto the memorial. Today we added our memorial flower arrangement to remember those who now watch from above.

Please be sure to stop by and spend some time at this place of quiet reflection.

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we honor the families whose love and loss are felt long after the battle ends.

🇺🇸Forever grateful. Forever remembered🇺🇸

04/05/2026

The calm and solitude at the memorial is a deeply moving experience.

Please come out and visit, especially as the weather begins to warm up.

You'll hear the sound of the birds, the rush of the river and maybe even a far off bark...

02/14/2026

Another Valentine pupper!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1H4dVen3MM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

K9 Hally is sending ALL the puppy love to our community!
Happy Valentine’s Day from our favorite four legged officer!💘🐾

02/14/2026

We couldn't resist these pups 💘 Happy Valentine's Day to all!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18GXC391bR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/25/2026

Happy Birthday Tracy!

Feel free to drop a birthday wish in the comments🥳

01/04/2026

Happy New Year! 🐾💙
We may be a little late, but our wishes are heartfelt. As we step into 2026, we want to extend our deepest best wishes to all K9 handlers and their incredible canine partners.

May this year bring safety, good health, and many successful returns home after every shift. We honor those who have served before, and we continue to stand behind those who serve today.

Stay safe, stay strong, and thank you for all that you do. 🐕‍🦺🖤

12/24/2025

We could not have said this better…best wishes to everyone for a wonderful holiday.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Kesbj2u9P/?mibextid=wwXIfr

’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the town.
The streets were unusually quiet, calm settled down.
The radios murmured with low, steady tone,
As officers patrolled, far away from their homes.

The cruisers rolled softly, red and blue glow,
Reflecting on storefronts and freshly fallen snow.
While families were nestled, warm under their lights,
Some stood the watch through the long winter night.

The K-9s were ready, ears perked with care,
Noses tuned in to the cold midnight air.
Not dreaming of treats or a spot by the fire,
But focused, alert, loyal hearts never tire.

Coffee cups steaming, reports being typed,
Holiday playlists quietly piped.
Someone cracked a joke, just quiet enough,
The kind that reminds you the job can be tough.

They thought of their families, stockings and cheer,
Of laughter and meals they’d be missing this year.
But duty called louder than comfort or rest,
Because protecting the season… well, that’s part of the test.

A call cleared, a calm night, no trouble in sight,
Just stars overhead and a peaceful patrol light.
The K-9 got praised with a pat and a grin,
A good boy, a partner, a bond deep within.

As dawn crept closer and shifts neared their end,
They carried the hope that this calm would extend.
For every quiet night is a gift all its own,
Made possible by those who stand watch, unknown.

So here’s to the ones on the road Christmas Eve,
And the partners on four legs who never take leave.
May your nights be uneventful, your coffee stay warm,
And may peace be the call you respond to till morn.

Address

24321 Lockport Street
Plainfield, IL
60544

Website

http://plainfieldpolicek9.com/

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