New facility opens for Lexington police K-9 units

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Key members of Lexington’s police department got a new home on Monday.

It’s been over a year since the city broke ground on the new K-9 facility. A ribbon cutting ceremony with city leaders took place Monday morning to officially open the facility’s doors.

“It’s great to be able to welcome our police K-9 units to its new home. It’s long over due,” said Mayor Linda Gorton.

The K-9 units have been using the same facility since 1968. The new facility can hold up to 20 K-9 units. Currently, the department has 13.

There’s a veterinary room, individual bathrooms and showers, kennels, and a training field.

The new facility is dedicated to fallen Lexington police officer, Roy Mardis. He died in 1985 in the line of duty while tracking a homicide suspect with his dog, Amanda.

His wife was honored at the grand opening.

“I’m just glad they have never forgotten him,” said Sue Mardis, Roy’s Widow.

In 2019, the K-9’s responded to 1,014 calls which is a 21% increase from the year before. K-9 units respond to services including tracking subjects, building searches and narcotics deployments.