10-10-2026 8:30pm

Jason Lagore Memorial Dog Park Opens at Caesar Creek State Park

Beth Callahan Editor

Partnership between ODNR and Friends of Ohio K9 honors legacy of fallen officer

Photo and story courtesy of ODNR

WAYNESVILLE, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Friends of Ohio K9, Inc. officially opened the Jason Lagore Memorial Dog Park at Caesar Creek State Park on Friday, honoring the life, service and legacy of Natural Resources Officer Jason Lagore. Officer Lagore died in the line of duty on February 23, 2021, while responding to a rescue call at Rocky Fork State Park, exemplifying the commitment to service that defined his career.

The ribbon‑cutting ceremony brought together Jason’s family, friends, fellow Natural Resources Officers, ODNR staff, Friends of Ohio K9 supporters, project partners and community members who helped make this memorial possible.

“Jason dedicated his career to protecting Ohio’s people and places with humility, courage and an unwavering sense of duty,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “This memorial park is a powerful reminder of the impact he had on our agency and the communities he served. We hope everyone who visits feels inspired by Jason’s example and finds joy in this space created in his honor.”

Officer Lagore was a driving force behind the growth and excellence of ODNR’s K9 program. He established the first Ohio State Parks Canine Academy and helped train and certify ODNR K9 teams in both the Division of Parks and Watercraft and the Division of Wildlife, as well as partner agencies statewide. Together with his K9 partners, Sarge and Ranger, he contributed to more than 400 calls for service throughout his career.

The dog park honors that legacy. Created through the partnership of Friends of Ohio K9, ODNR, donors, and grant supporters, the space stands in Waynesville, the birthplace of ODNR’s K9 program. At the park’s center is a laser‑etched memorial stone depicting Officer Lagore and K9 Ranger, surrounded by tribute bricks recognizing individuals and organizations who continue to strengthen Ohio’s K9 program. Visitors will also find Sarge and Ranger’s Trails, a picnic area, and dog‑friendly recreation spaces designed to celebrate the connection between families, their pets and the outdoors that Officer Lagore devoted his life to protecting.

The ceremony also reflected on the history of ODNR’s K9 Unit, which began at Caesar Creek State Park in 1996 and has supported critical operations across Ohio and beyond. Officer Lagore’s leadership later propelled the program forward by shaping training standards and preparing future generations of K9 teams. Today, the Division of Parks and Watercraft proudly continues this mission under its current leadership.

Friends of Ohio K9, founded in Lagore’s memory, continues to support ODNR’s K9 Unit with training resources, equipment, veterinary care and future working dogs, carrying his mission forward. Across Ohio’s state parks, forests, waterways and natural areas, ODNR’s K9 teams continue to play an essential role in public safety by supporting search and rescue missions, locating missing persons, responding to emergencies and assisting in drug‑related investigations.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.