Stanthorpe State High School students honour Queensland Police Service dogs with touching tribute

Stanthorpe students’ engineering talents were the focal point of an official ceremony recognising the bravery and dedication of police dogs to protecting the community.

Students from Stanthorpe State High School have honoured the service of more than 300 Queensland Police Service dogs through the creation of a monument unveiled at Tuesday’s ceremony. Photo: Queensland Police Service

Stanthorpe students have honoured the service of more than 300 Queensland Police Service dogs through the creation of a monument unveiled at a special ceremony.

A group of Stanthorpe State High School students were involved in the design and manufacturing of the QPS Dog Service Monument, which recognises the animals’ loyalty and commitment to keeping the community safe since 1972.

QPS police dogs are critical members of the service helping to support the frontline police. Photo: Queensland Police Service

The touching tribute was unveiled in a special ceremony at the Brisbane Dog Squad headquarters at Oxley on Tuesday.

Principal Justin Kuskie said he was proud of the school’s positive contribution to such a worthy cause, with work on the monument beginning in 2018.

“It’s great that the students get to support community organisations like the service dogs which is very vital to the police force,” he said.

Students created the metal images of a Labrador and German Shepherd and the words “they served” in the school’s technology facility as part of their engineering course.

The pieces were displayed on the monument, surrounded by more than 300 engraved stones with the names of current and past serving police dogs.

Mr Kuskie said he was happy that the students’ work was able to be recognised and signify their respect for the canines heroes.

“People are aware that these services exist, but being able to bring it to people’s conscious awareness allows us to further recognise the work of the police service,” he said.

QPS acting assistant commissioner Stephen Dabinett said the police dogs are “critical members” of the service, supporting the frontline police around the clock, from tracking offenders on foot to locating hidden drugs.

Police and Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan said the monument was an opportunity for the community and QPS to come together to acknowledge the unwavering loyalty and service of dog squads.

“I thank the students at Stanthorpe State High School and the community for making this possible,” he said.

Originally published as Stanthorpe State High School students honour Queensland Police Service dogs with touching tribute