TUCSON POLICE DEPARTMENT K-9 UNIT
Tucson K-9 Gallery Project Summary
Project Overview: In 2019, Michael Kloth Photography partnered with the Tucson Police Department's K-9 Unit to create a fundraising photography project aimed at purchasing life-saving protective equipment for police dogs. This collaborative effort combined Michael's fine art photography expertise with community service to support local law enforcement.
Project Goals:
Raise funds to purchase bullet and stab-resistant vests for Tucson Police K-9 partners
Each protective vest costs approximately $1,500-$1,800
Support the K-9 unit with additional protective gear including paw and face protection
Photography Approach: Michael photographed the Tucson Police officers alongside their K-9 partners, capturing both the professional working relationship and the individual personalities of these highly trained dogs. The project aimed to showcase these animals as both dedicated law enforcement partners and beloved companions who deserved protection in their service to the community.
Fundraising Component: The photography project was designed to create a calendar featuring the police dogs and their handlers. This calendar served as the primary fundraising vehicle, with proceeds directed toward purchasing the protective vests and equipment. The calendar was sold for $18 and covered the period from July 2019 to December 2020.
Community Impact: This project exemplifies Michael's commitment to using his photography skills for community benefit, similar to his ongoing volunteer work with local animal shelters. It demonstrates how professional fine art photography can be leveraged to support vital community services while celebrating the bond between working animals and their human partners.
The Tucson K-9 Gallery project represents the intersection of Michael's "artistry meets compassion" philosophy, combining his technical photography expertise with meaningful community service to protect the four-legged heroes who serve alongside Tucson's police officers.
