New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
It’s been 1 year since we lost “K9 Frankie” of the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations Team. On Tuesday, July 26th 2022, K9 Frankie selflessly lunged towards a dangerous suspect who pulled out a handgun, shot and killed Frankie.
The Massachusetts State Police released this statement in remembrance of the hero K9 who paid the ultimate sacrifice:
“On the afternoon of July 26, 2022, Massachusetts State Police K9 Frankie, with his handler Sergeant David Stucenski and other members of the Special Tactical Operations Team, deployed to Fitchburg to apprehend a wanted violent felon barricaded in a house. When the suspect briefly appeared outside a back door, STOP members moved to arrest him. Frankie, as he had done countless times on prior missions, lunged toward the suspect with no regard for his own safety.
The suspect suddenly pulled out a handgun and shot Frankie.
Frankie’s handler and other partners carried him to an ambulance staged at the scene, and he was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital. Tragically, despite the valiant efforts of his fellow team members and medical personnel, Frankie died from his injuries that afternoon.
Frankie gave the full measure of devotion for his human partners, his Department, and the people of Massachusetts.
He will never be forgotten.
You are now free, running the fields, where we will meet again.
You are restored to complete health.
‘You are in God’s Loving care forever, Amen.’
-Author Unknown.”
