New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“On July 26, 2022, K9 Frankie, a Belgian Malinois, and his handler, Sergeant David Stucenski, deployed with their partners on the Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations Team to Fitchburg, where an armed fugitive had barricaded himself inside a residence.
After prolonged negotiations aimed at convincing the violent fugitive to surrender, he briefly exited the house onto a back porch. Seeing an opportunity to resolve the dangerous situation, Sergeant Stucenski and Frankie performed their mission as they had countless times before. They stepped into harm’s way to protect others and the community at large and attempted to apprehend the dangerous suspect. The wanted criminal had a firearm with him and fatally shot Frankie.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
Frankie gave the full measure of devotion for his partner, his team, and the members of the public that he served. He is the only Massachusetts State Police K9 to be killed in the line of duty. His exceptional service to the Massachusetts State Police, and his ultimate sacrifice, will never be forgotten.
As you watch our video tribute to Frankie, please reflect on the words of the poem “K9 Promise,” whose author is unknown.
“My eyes are your eyes,
“To watch and protect you and yours.
“My ears are your ears,
“To hear and detect evil minds in the dark.
“My nose is your nose,
“To scent the invader of your domain.
“And so you may live,
“My life is also yours.”-Massachusetts State Police.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
Massachusetts State Police photo.
