Members of the Lawrenceville Police Canine Unit are from left Officers John Heart, Patrick Rose, Sean O’Brien, Kaitlynn Wallace and Jeffrey Krueger.
A new urban dog park in Lawrenceville will be named HYRO Park (pronounced Hero) in honor of former K9 Officer HYRO, who served the Lawrenceville Police Department with distinction for seven years. HYRO Park, located adjacent to the Lawrenceville Lawn, will officially open to the public on August 9, 2024.
Hyro
Mayor David Still says: “After the loss of K9 HYRO, it seemed most natural to name the park after him. It is our hope that our citizens will remember our brave K9 officer for many years as they enjoy the park that bears his name – HYRO Park.”
Chief John Mullin revealed the park’s name, which had been kept secret until today’s ceremony. He says: It’s not just a safe place for people to come play with their dogs. It’s a place to bring the community together. It sends a message from the city that we believe in community and are focused on bringing people together.”
Officer Sean O’Brien, K9 HYRO’s handler, and his wife, Nikki, unveiled the memorial plaque at the park. The plaque commemorates K9 HYRO’s dedicated service from 2016 to 2023 and his remarkable contributions to public safety. It reads:
In memory of his service
K9 HYRO
2016 – 2023
Love Loyalty Obedience
Czech-born K9 HYRO joined the Lawrenceville Police Department on January 6, 2018. He had 233 missions resulting in 87 arrests, $15,000 seized, and 10kg meth, 24kg marijuana, 20g heroin, 60kg cocaine, and 14g fentanyl confiscated. Not just a dog, HYRO was Ofc. Sean O’Brien’s unwavering partner, displaying loyalty by keeping a watchful eye during duty. HYRO was a cherished member of both the O’Brien family and the Lawrenceville Police Department and is missed by all.
HYRO Park is located in a passive area of Lawrenceville Lawn at the corner of Jackson and Luckie Streets. The 0.41-acre park features separate areas for large and small dogs, each enclosed by decorative security fencing and connected by an eight-foot-wide concrete pathway. Double-gated entrances ensure the safety of all visitors.
HYRO Park features an artificial turf surface equipped with an automatic irrigation system, promoting a sanitary environment. It also features dog waste bins. HYRO Park is equipped with shade structures and benches, recognizing the importance of amenities for dogs and their owners and ensuring comfort for visitors. Additionally, visitors will find open areas and agility equipment for dogs and water fountains to keep dogs hydrated.
The HYRO Park project, constructed by Zaveri Enterprises, Inc., was paid for with $677,899.60 in SPLOST funds. Construction began in early spring. HYRO Park will be open during daylight hours beginning August 9, aligning with the operating hours of the Lawrenceville Lawn.
County awards jobs for improvements in two areas
Gwinnett commissioners approved the Technology Improvements Project for the Singleton Road corridor that will increase safety, improves efficiency and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors in the area.
This smart technology adapts to real-time conditions, through traffic signals, street and sidewalk lighting and transit bus stops that can detect pedestrian presence. The $1,053,400 million contract is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation grant program and was awarded to 360 Network Solutions, LLC, for completion by April 2025.
In another development, commissioners awarded a $3.3 million contract awarded to GS Construction, Inc., to replace approximately 1.7 miles of existing water mains with 8-inch ductile iron pipe in the Hopkins Mill Subdivision in unincorporated Gwinnett County, east of Norcross.
Improvement projects like this increase the reliability of the water distribution system and minimize future water main breaks. According to Gwinnett Water Resources Director Rebecca Shelton, this project is part of an ongoing program to systematically replace water mains based on age, material type and break history.
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