New NYPD calendar features K-9s named for deceased officers: ‘It meant a lot to me’

NYPD Releases “Canine & Friends 2026” Calendar

This isn’t just any ordinary dog showcase.

The New York City Police Department has unveiled its latest “Canine & Friends 2026” calendar, featuring around 20 adorable dogs, many of whom are named in memory of fallen police officers.

The calendar, which is funded by the nonprofit New York City Police Foundation, highlights contributions from various departments, including the Counterterrorism Bureau’s Emergency Response Command and the Mounted Unit.

“This marks the 10th edition of the NYPD K-9 and Friends Calendar,” said Taylor Kahn, the foundation’s director of development. “It truly emphasizes the efforts of NYPD officers throughout the city in keeping us safe, alongside their K-9 partners and, of course, our Mounted Unit horses.”

Spanning 13 months, the calendar showcases 18 dogs and 3 horses.

The cover features Chase, Taso, Rhett, Cato, along with their human partners at Grand Central Station.

March highlights Detective Katrina Narváez and her K-9, Freddy. Interestingly, Freddy was named after Lieutenant Federico Narváez, who lost his life in the line of duty when Katrina was just a child. Lt. Narváez was killed during a domestic incident in Brooklyn back in 1996.

Inspired by her father’s legacy, Narváez pursued a career in law enforcement. After 22 years, she expressed her joy at being paired with a wire-haired pointer-Labrador mix in the emergency services unit.

“Being named after my father is an honor,” she shared with the Post back in April. “I really wasn’t sure if they would approve.”

“When I got the green light, it meant so much to me.”

Eight-year-old Freddy specializes in detecting explosives, from firearms to C4 and other dangerous materials. The pair operates from the Brooklyn Army Terminal, which houses the ESU canine unit.

May will showcase K-9 Diller, honoring his handler, Detective Jonathan Diller, who tragically died during a stop in Far Rockaway in March 2024. The month will feature Detective Anthony Marciano, Diller’s partner.

In August, the calendar will also recognize six dogs, including police officer Antonia Ocasio with K-9 Taso, named after Detective Anastasios Tsakos, who was killed by a drunk driver.

December will highlight Officer Michelle Bellinger from the Department of Transportation K-9 Unit and K-9 Zadroga of the Homicide Squad in Lower Manhattan.

K-9 Zadroga is named after Detective James Zadroga, who died from a 9/11-related illness in 2006. His legacy helped inspire legislation aimed at providing support for first responders affected by terrorist attacks.

Among the calendar’s standout moments is a night photo taken in front of the Freedom Tower featuring K-9 Ranger from the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau.