Introduction to NYPD’s Four-Legged Cops
The NYPD is showcasing its four-legged cops in a new furry 2026 calendar that exemplifies the importance of paws and hooves on the job.
Photo by Dean Moses
The NYPD is once again showcasing its “ruff”-and-ready dogs with very important jobs.
“New York’s Finest” furry creatures are being featured in a new 2026 calendar, exemplifying the importance of having man’s best friends on the job alongside their human partners in crime-fighting.
The Importance of Four-Legged Partners
amNewYork visited some of the stars of the 2026 NYPD Canine and Friends Calendar, which includes hounds that patrol the subways, dogs that respond to terroristic threats, and even horses that patrol the streets.
“It’s a wonderful way for us to highlight the hard-working men and women in the NYPD who are out there with their four-legged partners keeping us safe. They are patrolling critical infrastructure. They’re in the transit system. They’re going around to public places like Times Square, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree,” said Taylor Kahn of the New York City Police Foundation, which has been producing the annual calendar for a decade now.
The Bond Between Human and Animal
While the animal handlers told amNewYork that pups are a vital asset to the work the department does on a daily basis, they all underscored that they are far more than mere tools.
Police Officer Michael Bellinger, who partners with K9-ZADRO, says his dog works with him in the day and goes home with him at night, making them family.Photo by Dean Moses
Police Officer Michael Bellinger partners with K9-ZADRO. He says his dog works with him in the day and goes home with him at night, making them family.
“We’re together 24 hours, seven days a week. We go home together, we ride in the car together — we spend all day together. He’s pretty much my best friend, my best partner that I’ve ever had,” Bellinger told amNewYork. “There’s not a moment that I can’t even think about him.”
## Honoring Fallen Officers
In addition to the strong bond forged between human and dog, the NYPD also continues the legacy of officers who have perished in the line of duty. According to NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta, all the police dogs and horses are named after fallen police officers to keep their memory and legacy alive.
“Each one of these dogs is named after a fallen officer and the important job they do in the city. I think that’s equally as important; it’s their family member, it’s someone they lost in the line of duty,” Chief Gulotta said. “I think it’s one of the most special things we do in the NYPD.”
“My father died when I was nine years old. And, you know, I’ve spent more of my life without him than with him. So he’s always on my mind, every day,” Narvaez said, adding that her pup aids with her grief. “Having him (Freddy) with me every day, it makes it a little better, you know, like, it helps it, it’s a good reminder of him.”Photo by Dean Moses
Det. Katrina Narvaez knows this aspect all too well. Her father, Lt. Federico Narvaez, was shot to death in Brooklyn in 1996 when she was only 9 years old. Today, her four-legged partner is named Freddy after her beloved father.
“My father died when I was nine years old. And, you know, I’ve spent more of my life without him than with him. So he’s always on my mind, every day,” Narvaez said, adding that her pup aids with her grief. “Having him (Freddy) with me every day, it makes it a little better, you know, like, it helps it, it’s a good reminder of him.”
## Supporting the NYPD
Proceeds from the calendar will support the New York City Police Foundation, which helps the NYPD obtain essential resources. To purchase a calendar, visit nycpolicefoundation.org/2026calendar.
Proceeds from the calendar will go to support the New York City Police Foundation, which helps the NYPD obtain resources.Photo by Dean Moses
## Conclusion
The 2026 NYPD Canine and Friends Calendar is a heartwarming tribute to the hardworking four-legged cops and their human partners who keep New York City safe. The calendar not only showcases the importance of these animals in law enforcement but also honors the legacy of fallen officers.
## FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the 2026 NYPD Canine and Friends Calendar?
A: The calendar showcases the importance of four-legged cops in law enforcement and honors the legacy of fallen officers.
Q: How can I purchase the calendar?
A: You can purchase the calendar by visiting nycpolicefoundation.org/2026calendar.
Q: What does the calendar support?
A: The calendar supports the New York City Police Foundation, which helps the NYPD obtain essential resources.
Q: Are the police dogs and horses named after anyone special?
A: Yes, they are named after fallen police officers to keep their memory and legacy alive.
