FITCHBURG — Dozens of heads bowed in reverent unison on Saturday afternoon on the annual Fitchburg Dog Park competition throughout a second of silence for Ok-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed within the line of responsibility in July.
“We are here today in honor of Frankie,” stated Vest-a-Dog board member Rachel Dodson. “Frankie is a great example of these dogs putting their lives on the line to protect civilians, their handlers, and the team behind them. I think he would be proud, and we are very proud to see the outpouring of support for all law enforcement as a result of what happened to him. And I absolutely know his handler is grateful for the outpouring of support.”
Frankie, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, gained quite a few distinctions and was extremely embellished alongside handler Sgt. David Stucenski throughout his 9 years as a Massachusetts State Police Ok-9.
He was the primary Ok-9 in state police historical past killed within the line of responsibility throughout an altercation that passed off in Fitchburg on July 26 when an armed man barricaded himself in a three-decker dwelling downtown. Police tried to arrest the person on warrants charging him with firearms offenses and accent after the actual fact stemming from a capturing incident in Fitchburg the earlier week.
The man later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Stucenski was not injured within the confrontation.
Vest-a-Dog Vice President Kelly Robinson, who’s married to a retired Ok-9 officer, stated the all-volunteer nonprofit group that offered Frankie’s bulletproof vest gives funding that “goes to essential equipment” for Ok-9 coaching together with chunk sleeves and extra.
Gardner Police Officer Josh Willis attended Saturday’s competition together with his Ok-9 associate, Rocky, and offered Ok-9 demonstrations together with Fitchburg State University Police Officer Erin Morreale and Ok-9 Oden, and State Police Officer Chat Tata and Ok-9 associate Luna.
The Fitchburg Police Relief Association just lately introduced a GoFundMe fundraiser for the development of a life-sized granite memorial in Frankie’s likeness, which will probably be completely on show on the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park positioned close to the tip of the Water Street bridge.
“Forming this memorial is significant, as Frankie’s steadfast dedication to his job reflected his daily performance,” stated Fitchburg Police Officer Ryan Kreidler and FPRA vp. “Throughout Frankie’s 9-year career, he compiled several awards for bravery and valor.”
Kreidler added, “Frankie’s tragic death holds significance within the commonwealth for two notable aspects.”
“Frankie is the first Massachusetts State Police K-9 to be killed in the line of duty. Additionally, Frankie would become the first K-9 to be transported by ambulance and receive medical care under a newly signed law in Massachusetts called ‘Nero’s Law.’ This law allowed Frankie to receive immediate on-scene care, ambulance transport, and hospital care.”
Kreidler, a metropolis police officer for 2 years and FPRA vp for one yr, stated the group was “inspired to organize a memorial for Frankie, as Fitchburg Police and the Massachusetts State Police often collaborate,” together with on the incident which led to Frankie’s dying.
Kreidler was one in all many metropolis and regional officers there that day and offered help to the Massachusetts State Police STOP Team, together with Stucenski and Frankie, after they “were presented with a wanted armed fugitive that was barricaded within the confines of his residence.”
“As STOP Team personnel attempted negotiations, gunfire erupted, to which Frankie was struck,” Kreidler recalled. “As this occurred, Fitchburg officers on scene and STOP Team members alike responded rapidly to ensure the best possible evacuation and escort of Frankie to safety.”
Fitchburg EMS transported Frankie to Wachusett Animal Hospital. Despite in depth measures to save lots of his life, Frankie succumbed to his accidents with Stucenski by his facet.
Kreidler stated as members of the FPRA, they imagine recognizing Frankie’s service to Fitchburg and the state must be completely documented.
“Placing this statue at our police memorial shows our bond with our K-9 partners, allowing Frankie’s memory to live on,” Kreidler stated.
As of Tuesday afternoon, near $16,000 has been raised in direction of the $100,000 aim for the memorial.
“Words cannot express our gratitude to those who have donated and shared our post, as it shows the bond between the community and the Commonwealth,” Kreidler stated. “We appreciate our supporters as they leave messages memorializing Frankie and encouraging this project forward.”
Questions could also be directed to Fitchburg Police Relief Association Vice President Officer Ryan Kreidler by calling 978-956-3205 or emailing [email protected].
Mail correspondence will be despatched to the Fitchburg Police Relief Association at PO Box 7476, Fitchburg, Mass. 01420. People are requested to not name the Fitchburg Police Department itself.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”