I wanted to post something about the death of Rocco, a Pittsburgh K-9 killed in the line of duty. However, when I looked on the Brimfield Police Department‘s Facebook page, I realized that there was nothing I could say that would express my sorrow any better than Chief Oliver’s post. Here are his thoughts on this tragedy.
Good Morning,
Many of you have heard of Police K-9 Rocco by now. Rocco was apprehending a bad guy and was stabbed while defending his partner and other officers. Rocco later died as a result of the incident. If you have ever worked with a K-9 or just love dogs in general, this story hit you hard.
We have four K-9 units at the Brimfield Police Department. One-fourth of our human officers has a furry four-legged partner. I made the decision to put those K-9 units in service because of the work drive and loyalty of these dogs. If you have never worked with a K-9 or observed one working, you are missing brilliance.
Today our hearts are heavy for Rocco’s partner, fellow officers and officers from all over who love our K-9 partners and realize the invaluable services they provide.
All who have been impacted by K-9 Rocco are in our thoughts and prayers…..
~Chief Oliver and staff, including K-9 Havoc (Sgt. Knarr) K-9 Drogen (Officer Allen), K-9 Nitro (Officer Putnam) and K-9 Pseudo (Officer Gramlich)
Here’s his original post from when news of Rocco’s passing first came out:
Tonight, our hearts are with our Brothers in Blue at Pittsburgh Police. K9 Rocco was assisting his handler when things went wrong, dealing with an unwanted man call. K9 Rocco, an 8 year old German Shepherd, was stabbed, but not before saving his partner and two other officers on scene. K9 Rocco went through two surgeries and several blood transfusions, but tonight he went into cardiac arrest and died. EOW [End of Watch] 1-30-2014.
Your K9 Brothers at Brimfield Police send our deepest Regards.
To the chief’s words I can only add, Rest in Peace Rocco. Your service is truly appreciated and will forever be remembered.
A funeral service with full police honors is planned for tomorrow, February 7,2013 at 11:00 at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland (near Pittsburgh). It was originally to be a private service, but has now been opened to the public, with police officers and their families getting priority seating. Doors open at 10 am. There will be a procession beforehand for people unable to get into the church.
Full coverage of Rocco’s death and several related videos are available from wpxi.com.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!