Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our entire staff sends our support to the K9 Officer of Rocco and the PPD K9 Division. The brave act and dedication of this K9 to protect his fellow officers is certainly an inspiration to support all K9 Units across this Country. Rocco you will be missed by us all.

Commander Griffin
MPS / DOPS Special Ops Chicago

February 13, 2014

A Pittsburg reporter is asking his readers opinions if the memorial service for K-9 Rocco was 'excessive'. I think not - rather than look at what it 'cost' lets look at what Rocco saved us . But then I don't how to place a value on the lives of three police officers. So lets look at what we can measure - the cost of replacement - well their Steelers QB Big Ben is donating the cost from his foundation - Thank you Mr Ben. Citizens are donating to the K9 program now from their support of his story and his service. and how about his pay - for keeping the citizens of Pittsburgh safe and secure for years - a treat a toy and a 'good boy' - There’s Officer Time and Overtime, Workers Comp, Vehicle Search Time- Building Search Time. The officers may take hours to search a building – Rocco could tell if the suspect is in the building without having to search all thru it just by entering the building. Time is saved in Finding and Apprehending suspects and they surrender faster – when Rocco was present – and less harm comes to the officers and the offender. The bad guys couldn't outrun Rocco and Rocco , always focused and intensive, would never give up. Homicides are solved and murderers are convicted and families receive closure when K9s find bodies. School lockers didn't have to be opened in drug searches. And property inside didn't have to be handled when K9 Rocco walked past. K9 Dogs can find explosives and bomb threats and they can be disabled faster than without them. They find prison escapees before they get desperate and prey on more victims, and they find missing children and Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients before harm comes to them. Rocco removed drugs off the streets that teenagers could overdose on and now they are alive as adults and living productive lives. Rocco found missing children who are alive and will grow up to remember his name and k9s contribute to crime prevention as well as solving the crimes. They protect and save our officers lives equal to the way Secret Service protects our President. They will take a bullet, jump in front of a knife as Rocco did or other weapon meant for officers, deputies, troopers, and even vehicles meant to run them over. Pittsburgh is safer for all that Rocco did and all the others do. And then there is what Gen Petraeus said back in 2008 of the K9s and MWDs. "The capability they bring to the fight against our enemies and criminals cannot be replicated by man or machine. We would be remiss if we failed to invest more in this incredible valuable resource" They provide security at courthouses, the county and city buildings schools and universities admin building, at stadium and public events and protection to visiting VIPs too. And once we purchase and train and equip them their cost is so little for an average of the eight years they serve us– just their food and vet bills. And they even continue on in retirement protecting the home and life of officers and their families family. They don’t need night vision equipment and guns or tasers and cell phones or other tactical equipment we provide to the officers. Vests to protect them from harm and vehicle restraint to protect them from vehicle ejection can come from donations to the K9 programs. Our organization provides some of this and helps raise funds for k9s alos and we send doggles and booties to deployed dogs. Truly they are the best bang we ever could get for a public safety dollar from a taxpayer. So please replace the E word with Honor and Memory and our duty to give them their due. I compliment your acting chief, commander, Mayor and all for setting the bar in how to bury a hero with Paws - I believe they did it also for the public who needed to share in his story and valiant fight for his life and follow thru with his memorial service and grieve with the PD and support his family and attend the service - they knew Pittsburgh was honoring an American and Pennsylvania Hero. And in our current war against crime we also have a war on terror and these same dogs are the number one savior of the number one killer of our soldiers - IEDs Improvised explosive devices - They deserve all they need to do their job safely in equipment and supplies and when they retire they deserve veterinary benefits - Let ask for a bill in Pennsylvania to give them veterinary benefits in retirement to help them live out their few retirement years in good health; And lets give them our Honor and Memory, Awareness of their service and Appreciation for their performances.

So the Question remains: Why honor Rocco as a hero and fallen officer - ??? I Answer to Rocco...and speak for his handler .."We must give you Honor
for you are one too. There's no honor for me, if there is none for you. Til death us do part, this K-9 Mantra rings True.
K-9 Rocco gave his all for the Red White and Blue" barbara snow US WAR DOGS ASSN [email protected]

Barbara Snow Exec Director
US WAR DOGS ASSN Chapter 2 Bronson FL

February 13, 2014

Good boy, Officer Rocco! You got him! Now rest in peace. I was born and raised in the Steel City and am proud of all our Police Officers, furred and otherwise. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is a class act. Best wishes to Rocco's human partner and friends.

Robert Kelly, Security Officer
Macalester College Office Of Safety & Security

February 13, 2014

Woof

Lt. Rost

February 13, 2014

Rest In Peace Rocco. Thank you for your loyalty and devotion. You went above and beyond the call of duty. You're a true hero and a warrior. May God Bless and Keep You.

M/Sgt. William Schmid
Wilmington (DE) Department of Police

February 11, 2014

RIP K9 Rocco

A resident of Malden, MA

February 10, 2014

RIP K9 Rocco. Thank you for your brave, dedicated service.

P/O R. Popelka #7903
Chicago P.D.

February 10, 2014

Rest in peace our 4 legged friend and partner. God bless the handler and the other officer for a complete and full recovery and return to duty. God bless the handler's family during this time of tragic and senseless loss as they will surely feel the pain as well.

Senior Patrolman Donnie Meaders
Wewoka (OK) PD

February 10, 2014

For all of the people who ignorantly voice that K-9's are "just dogs"!!! These reflections reaffirm that these K-9 Officers are our partners, our best friends, our back up and even our life lines. And to those of us who walk the Thin Blue Line they are out FAMILY!!!

Always Remember Never Forget
Thank you for your service Rocco
And to Rocco's handler and family my heart goes out to you all

Cpl H Marshall
City of FPD

February 9, 2014

Ibet Rocco was a good dog

Jaisonn Vazquez

February 8, 2014

Thank You Rocco! Good Boy!

FTO Tom Hintz
Federal Reserve Police (Detroit)

February 7, 2014

Godspeed, Rocco. Even though I live at the other end of PA, your story spread through the state and beyond. You're a true hero. You and your human family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Candie
citizen from Eastern PA

February 7, 2014

As I reflect back 27 years with the news of another Police K9 killed in the line of duty I remember the short time that I had with K9 Joker.
He was a vital part of our department as well as a part of my family.
I attended the funeral service for K9 Rocco, of the Pittsburgh Police K9 department along with hundreds of fellow officers to pay our respects to not only Rocco but all the K9's and their handlers who put so much of their lives into and with their K9 partners.

After retirement, I was able to retire my last K9 partner, Andy, with me and he remained a part of my family till he was gently put to sleep.
He now rests with all of my K9 partners in the Animal Rescue League's Rosedale kennel, wild life preserve, cemetery.
God bless all the law enforcement officers who every day put their lives on the line.

Retired K9 Specialist Paul Schawalder
Penn Hills Police K9 Division

February 7, 2014

I'm sorry to Rocco, his fellow K-9's, and all human officers in the city of Pittsburgh, as well. Nobody could know what it's like to lose your best friend, especially when they willingly gave their life for you. Rest In Peace Rocco <3 My Dog had to be put to sleep because she was getting old and everything was getting harder for her, I hope you will meet her in Doggy Heaven. Rest In Peace Shadow <3 *** Nothing made me happier than to know this worthless scum of a psychopath really took this innocent dog's life. My condolences go out to Rocco's family, and fellow officer & every other K9 who gave their life to save their best friends. <3 R.I.P Rocco & R.I.P Shadow <3 You will forever be missed, you may be gone physically, but I will always carry you in my heart.

Sara Hollerich
Dog Owner

February 7, 2014

The National Police Wives Association would like to extend their heartfelt prayers to the family of K9 Rocco and the Pittsburgh Police Department during this time. Good boy, Rocco. Thank you for your service.

National Police Wives Association
Staff

February 6, 2014

My heart breaks for your handler, family & co-workers. You served the citizens of Pittsburg & protected your officer until your last breath. Go run & play in the lush, green meadows in heaven Officer Rocco - you will never be hurt again. Thanks for your sacrifice!

Denise
Survivor of NC Trooper Calvin Taylor

February 6, 2014

The bond between Rocco and his handler can best be expressed in Latin and goes beyond the words I love you : Non Relinquam, Non Relinques means I will never give up on you - you will
never give up on me.
Rest and play in Peace K9 Rocco - you are now where all the good and heroic dogs go. Angels are singing for you now and you will never again hear the sound of another bullet or see another weapon again. Other heroes with paws whispered to each other you were coming and they met you at the gate. They saluted you when you came for giving your all; your partner and others in LE are alive and with families because of you. They and your City will forever Honor you and give you Memory and so will we and that makes you immortal. The K-9 world mourns you and you will be missed for your life truly mattered. You wore the badge of the Elite. Your Chief will shine his shoes for you and speak well of you as your City and Mayor gives you Honor. Thank you for guarding Pittsburgh's nite and keeping your citizens safe and secure to enjoy their freedoms. Heaven has no time. You will always know what a ‘good boy’ you are and it will only be a split second in your time now til you hear those words from your DogDad again. Run Fast Play Strong Sniff the Wind and Get the Toy. barbara snow US War Dogs Assn Southern Chapter [email protected] Bronson FL. 32621

Barbara Snow Exec Director
US WAR DOGS ASSN Chapter 2 Bronson FL

February 5, 2014

What an awesome partner you were Rocco. Your humans were very lucky to have had you. You made the ultimate sacrifice and served with honor. It is appreciated. Rest in peace little buddy. See ya over the rainbow. Condolences to his partner.

Officer V. Fleming Retired
State of Alabama

February 5, 2014

Good job K9 Rocco. See you at the Rainbow Bridge. Sincere condolences to his handler and fellow officers.
God bless you and thank God for you.

Chaplain Sam Faraone
El Paso, TX Police Department

February 5, 2014

Rest in peace boy.

Lt. A. Hoopes
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Va.

February 5, 2014

Thank you for your service Rocco. I'm sorry you were taken from us. My heart goes out to your handler and all who knew you. I can't wait until we get to see you again. Until then, you go and run free and happily through the Heavens knowing you were loved and valued.

Kristi
Surviving Daughter of Special Agent J. Robert Porter
Federal Bureau of Investigation
E.O.W. 8/9/79

February 4, 2014

R.I.P. PUPPY Rocco!!!

Nebraska Police Officer

February 4, 2014

Thank You Rocco for your service to your partner and your city. My heart is broken for what you had to go thru and your partner. I'm sure you will be missed. I miss you and I never knew you. My son is a K-9 officer and we love his K-9 like a member of the family. Hopefully the bad guy or the spineless piece of .......... will get whats coming to him. He killed an Officer of the Law!! Thanks for being so brave and not expecting anything in return. I'm praying for you all!

Mother of K-9 Officer
Tennessee

February 4, 2014

My eyes are your eyes to watch and protect you and yours....and so you may live my life is also yours.....protect our k9 partners.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Master Patrol Deputy Kathleen Yox
Carroll County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit

February 4, 2014

R.I.P. Rocco! You went above and beyond the call of duty to protect your fellow officers. You are a TRUE HERO!!!

K-9 Officer Thomas Strickland & K-9 Max
Greenville Police Department

February 4, 2014