K9 Rocky – Heidelberg, Pennsylvania

Died 6/29/15
Handler Sgt. Dennis Dixon

Heidelberg police dog dies after bout with cancer

Heidelberg has lost one of its finest. Rocky, the borough’s 8-year-old police dog, was euthanized June 29 after being diagnosed in May with an aggressive form of cancer. His handler, Sgt. Dennis Dixon, 46, said he knew the dog’s health was deteriorating because his expression had changed. Rocky lived with the Dixon family. “He was a happy dog. His eyes were sparkly and bright and he was excited about adventures,” Sgt. Dixon said. “The day he died, he just didn’t have that sparkle.” The K-9 died in Sgt. Dixon’s arms with his wife and three children by his side. ”“He had a family who loved him unconditionally and he loved us back,” Sgt. Dixon said. After he came to Heidelberg in May 2008, borough residents adopted Rocky and looked for him at events and on patrol. However, his police dog expertise was also utilized throughout Allegheny County as part of a mutual aid agreement. One of the incidents that many may recollect was a 2012 murder in East Carnegie that involved reaction from several local police departments. Picking up the escapee’s scent, Rocky was able to overtake and stop him. “He was chasing the robber through Carnegie and he ripped the guy’s pants off,” Heidelberg Police Chief Vernon Barkley remembers. The fleeing man was convicted and imprisoned. Other problems, such as street fights, were handled differently by the canine cop. “I’d roll my windows down and he’d bark and [the fighters] would stop,” Sgt. Dixon said. Though he was protective, Sgt. Dixon said Rocky was not a house dog. “He always wanted to be riding with me in the back of the police car. He was remarkable. He was caring and loving. He had police work down to a science. I trusted him with my life,” the sergeant said. “I knew that he would always protect me,” Sgt. Dixon said. Rocky’s remains were cremated and will be part of a public memorial service to be held at 10 a.m. July 24 in the Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department on First Street.

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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