A RESOLUTION

 

1Honoring the life and service of Rocco, a Pittsburgh Bureau of
2Police Canine Officer who valiantly gave his life in the line
3of duty to protect others, and offering condolences to those
4whose lives were positively impacted by Rocco.

5WHEREAS, Rocco, an eight-year old German Shepherd and member
6of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police K-9 Unit, made the ultimate
7sacrifice while protecting his fellow police officers from a
8criminal; and

9WHEREAS, Two days after Rocco suffered a life-threatening
10stab wound, he tragically lost his battle to survive and
11succumbed to his injuries on January 30, 2014; and

12WHEREAS, If it were not for Rocco's bravery, other officers
13may have been more seriously injured or killed; and

1WHEREAS, Rocco was trained to be a police dog at the
2Pittsburgh K-9 Academy, which trains canines and pairs them with
3officers to enhance the public's safety, expand police
4capabilities and improve department efficiency overall; and

5WHEREAS, After an extensive three-month training program,
6Rocco was assigned to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police in 2008;
7and

8WHEREAS, He became one of only 21 canines on the force; and

9WHEREAS, Rocco was Officer Philip Lerza's partner since 2010;
10and

11WHEREAS, This fearless canine was a "dual purpose" dog that
12trained in areas of explosives and gun detection, as well as
13regular patrol; and

14WHEREAS, Rocco received full police honors during a memorial
15service on February 7, 2014, at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial
16Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh; and

17WHEREAS, Every day, police dogs courageously serve an
18important purpose for many police departments and communities
19across this Commonwealth; therefore be it

20RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the life
21and service of Rocco who valiantly gave his life in the line of
22duty to protect others and offer its condolences to those whose
23lives were positively impacted by Rocco; and be it further

24RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to
25the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, 1203 Western Avenue,
26Pittsburgh, PA 15233.