Rocco, fellow K-9s immortalized with North Shore monument

Feelings of loss and grief over the death of Rocco — the Pittsburgh police K-9 who died from stab wounds during a 2014 arrest attempt — remain strong with his surviving partner and family.

“It impacts us on a daily basis,” said Officer Phil Lerza. “He was a family member. Even today we do certain things and remember that he was there with us. It's an ongoing process.”

Rocco was one of four K-9 officers honored Saturday at the dedication of a statue for police dogs who died in the line of duty. The copper statue of a sitting dog was added to the existing Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on the North Shore a week and half ago, organizers said. About 75 people, including regional K-9 officers and their partners, attended the ceremony.

“From the beginning of mankind our most faithful, loyal, best friends have been our dogs,” said Les Neri, president of the state's Fraternal Order of Police. “And for police officers, they are our most loyal partners.”

Rocco, an 8-year-old German shepherd, died Jan. 30, 2014, after he and two other officers were stabbed as they tried to arrest John Rush, 23, of Stowe, who was wanted on a probation-violation warrant.

Also honored at the dedication were Ulf, a Pittsburgh K-9 who was shot and killed in 2008; Jupp, a Pittsburgh K-9 who was hit by a car in 1991; and Joker, a Penn Hills K-9 who was stabbed in 1987.

“This today is very touching,” said Joker's partner, retired Officer Paul Schawalder. “Finally, these dogs are getting the recognition they deserve.”

In 1987, the penalty for killing a police K-9 was a $300 fine and 100 hours of community service, which is what Joker's killer got, Schawalder said. Over the years, the penalties have toughened, and a judge in March sentenced Rush to 17¾ to 44 years in prison for crimes that included killing Rocco and attacking other officers.

Organizers sold calendars at the event to raise money for the statue. Donna Best, a retired commander with the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, said Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Inc. has spent $43,000 on the statue and must raise another $7,000.

Police dogs deserve the statue for the courage and loyalty they show daily, said Mt. Lebanon K-9 Officer Ben Himan.

“He's an officer; he goes through the training,” Himan said as his partner Snieper, a Belgian Malinois, sat at his feet. “He puts his life on the line just like every other officer.”

The Rev. Louis Vallone prayed for all police dogs during the invocation:

“Take our heartfelt prayers and fill our K-9 companions with light and strength (and) if you see fit to take them from us, as with Rocco, whom we remember today, help us to understand that they are not gone from us but only drawing closer to you.”

Chris Togneri is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-380-5632 or ctogneri@tribweb.com.