Alcatraz East spotlights police K-9s during National Police Week

Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, said it will mark National Police Week, May 10-16, 2026, with free admission for law enforcement officers, a May 15 K-9 meet and greet, and an expanded display tied to a Tennessee police dog named K-9 Aggie. The May 15 event is set to feature K-9 Merry and K-9 Diesel from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, plus K-9 Juno from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. According to the museum, all three dogs work as accelerant detection canines, helping investigators identify ignitable liquids in suspected arson cases. (prnewswire.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the event is a reminder that working dogs remain a visible part of public safety infrastructure, and that many of these dogs serve in highly specialized detection roles rather than patrol alone. It also highlights the continued public interest in K-9 health, training, welfare, and retirement, especially as agencies such as TBI maintain dedicated accelerant detection teams across Tennessee. (prnewswire.com)

What to watch: Watch for whether the museum or participating agencies use the event to broaden public education around working-dog careers, handler partnerships, and long-term K-9 care. (prnewswire.com)