Oak Forest city officials had their first look Tuesday at the statue of a German shepherd that will be the city’s contribution to a public art display later this summer in downtown Chicago.

Oak Forest police Sgt. Scott Durano, a former handler of dogs for the department, unveiled the statue, which cost approximately $2,500 to create. It is nearly 4 feet tall and is somewhat bigger than an actual German Shepherd that would work with a police department.

Durano pointed out to aldermen that thethe statue is made from fiberglass and is clad in the body armor that the department would put on any dog in its service. It also has badges and patches symbolic of the Oak Forest Police Department.

He also said the statue was inspired by former police dogs Dakota and Orry, who have since been retired by the department due to old age.

“He’s going to look sharp somewhere on Michigan Avenue,” Durano said, although he conceded he is not sure yet exactly where the Oak Forest dog statue will be placed.

Money to pay for the statue was raised largely from donations by Oak Forest residents.

Durano said the statue would be on loan to Chicago for the public art display of about 200 statues for approximately a month beginning July 10. It would return to Oak Forest before Labor Day. Officials said they hope to place the statue between the Police Department headquarters and City Hall, 15440 S. Central Ave.

The Chicago display, which in past years featured cow and bull statues, is being coordinated by the Chicago Police Department Memorial Foundation.

Gregory Tejeda is a freelance reporter.