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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 4, 2014 02:30 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Dom Costa |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Condolence Resolution Honoring the Life and Service of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police K-9 Rocco |
| In the very near future, I will be introducing a condolence resolution honoring the life and service of a canine officer, named Rocco. Rocco was an 8-year-old German Shepherd and a member of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police K-9 unit that passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2014. Sadly, Rocco was stabbed by a criminal while protecting his fellow officers on the night of Tuesday, January 28, 2014 and succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, January 30, 2014. If it wasn’t for Rocco’s bravery, other officers could have been more seriously injured or killed. After completing an extensive three-month training program at the Pittsburgh K-9 Academy, Rocco was assigned to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police in 2008. He became one of just 21 canines on the force. Rocco had been Officer Philip Lerza’s partner since 2010. Canine officers are trained to protect their handlers and other officers. This fearless canine trained in the areas of explosive and gun detection, as well as regular patrol. He was a “dual purpose” dog, according to officials of the Pittsburgh police force. Everyday, police dogs courageously serve an important purpose for many police department and communities across this Commonwealth. Therefore, I ask you to please join me in recognizing and honoring the life and memory of Rocco who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty protecting others. |
Introduced as HR655