Honoring a Hero: Ceremony Celebrates Life and Legacy of MPD Lieutenant

In a heartfelt tribute filled with reflection, gratitude, and solemn remembrance, METRO Police Officers gathered to honor the life and service of Police Lieutenant Theodore “Ted” Naradovy.  

A respected leader, mentor, and protector, Lt. Naradovy passed away in 2023 due to health issues. As part of the ceremony, MPD made a special gesture to commemorate his legacy: a newly trained K9 has been named Thor in his honor. This symbolic tribute ensures that Lt. Naradovy’s spirit of service will continue to walk the beat—four paws at a time—protecting the community he loved so deeply.  

Bryan Naradovy, Lt. Naradovy’s son, was moved and touched by the event. He was especially grateful that MPD took the time to honor his father and chose to name Thor after him. He said the name MPD chose is a great tribute to the late lieutenant.  

 “Thor is kind of from his first name, Theodore. They took parts of the letters from his name and everything and kind of came up with that,” Bryan said. “He would bring down the hammer when he needed to, but at the same time, when he needed to be gentle and peaceful for people, he would do that as well.” 

MPD K9 Thor is named after the late Lieutenant Theodore "Ted" Naradovy.

Sandoval, who worked alongside Naradovy for years, said she was happy to celebrate the late lieutenant and for the Naradovy family to meet Thor. 

 “Lt. Naradovy was a very loved member of our department,” said Sandoval. “He was such a nice, happy guy all the time. He never complained.  He was such a selfless man. He made many major contributions to this agency.” 

MPD Lieutenant Cleo Sandoval awards a plaque to Lieutenant Naradovy's family to honor the work he has done for METRO

Rudy Gonzalez, MPD K9 Officer and Thor’s handler, said he first met Thor a little over a year ago. Since then, Gonzalez knew they would make a great team. 

Gonzalez stated he was proud to be at the event and for his dog to carry on Naradovy’s admirable legacy. He and his fellow officers went through a series of suggestions before he came up with Thor. 

“To this day, it’s been an honor carrying Lt. Naradovy’s legacy, and being able to be assigned to Thor has been an amazing journey,” Gonzalez said. “Knowing that Thor will be out protecting the community in honor of the late lieutenant is a great privilege.”