DVIDS – News – Fort Drum Military Police unveils lasting tribute to military working dogs

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (May 8, 2024) — Soldiers from the 91st Military Police Battalion, civilians from the Emergency Services Directorate and community members gathered outside the 8th Military Police Kennel May 8 for the dedication of the William F. Eddy Military Working Dogs Memorial Ceremony.

The memorial is dedicated to the memory of the military working dogs of the 8th MP Detachment and includes a paved walkway with wreaths on stone tablets with the names of the fallen. The entrance stone leading to the memorial reads: “I will always be by your side.”

Lt. Col. Richard T. Esposito, commander of the 91st MP Battalion, spoke about the history of military working dogs and their unique service to the nation.

“As a military police officer for nearly 17 years, I have worked with these incredible dogs and their handlers, both in combat and in garrison,” he said. “We often talk about Soldiers living Army values, and you won’t find a Soldier more selfless, more dedicated or more loyal than these MWDs.”

Esposito said MWDs perform noble service without the need for recognition or reward – other than an occasional pat on the head or a scratch on the ear.

“In moments of danger, chaos or need, they do not falter,” he said. “They are just selfless servants dedicated to the mission and their caretaker.”

The memorial is named after a Camp Drum soldier and animal lover who had a passion for dog training and interacting with dogs.

“William Eddy, better known as Bill, was a devoted Northland family man who proudly served at Camp Drum during the Korean War years,” said retired Col. Christine Stark, guest speaker. “He never wavered in his patriotism or his devotion to this nation and spent his life giving back in so many ways.”

Stark thanked everyone who contributed to the project, which she said was years in the making.

“Your unwavering commitment and generosity have enabled us to honor the remarkable service and sacrifice of our beloved comrades in such a fitting way,” she said.

Also present at the dedication were members of the Eddy family, some of whom were present at the groundbreaking nearly a year ago.

“It feels like Christmas morning when you see this finally becoming a reality,” Patricia Bach said. “My dad would be very proud and humbled by this, and it’s exciting to see everyone here celebrating these beautiful canines.”