Frankie, a State-police K9 died after being shot during a standoff between the cops and a suspect, Matthew Mack, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on Tuesday. Mack reportedly killed himself later. 

MSP Colonel Christopher Mason said in a statement, “It is with tremendous sadness that I announce that a Massachusetts State Police K9 was killed in the line of duty today. K9 Frankie was fatally shot during an attempt to apprehend a wanted fugitive who had barricaded himself inside at residence. Frankie’s handler, Trooper David Stucenski, was not physically injured.” 

“Frankie is the first Massachusetts State Police canine killed in the line of duty. His sacrifice will never be forgotten”, the statement added. 

Frankie, a Belgian Malinois, would have turned 11 next month and was with the State-police for nine years. The statement described the dog as a “highly decorated member” of the department. 

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In 2017, Frankie and Trooper Stucenski received the Medal of Valor at the state’s top law enforcement award ceremony. 

“They were honoured for apprehending a hit-and-run suspect who, during a foot chase, turned and fired a shot at Trooper Stucenski and Frankie as they pursued him on a Springfield street. The shot missed the Trooper and Frankie, and Frankie apprehended him. Trooper Stucenski and Frankie won the State Police Medal of Merit for that same incident”, the statement explained. 

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The United States Police Canine Association, in 2014, awarded Frankie and Stucenski thrice for “evidence recovery, agility, and other law enforcement skills”. 

The statement concluded, “Frankie had every trait we seek in a good law enforcement officer, canine or human: intelligence, immense courage, and dedication to protecting the public. He was as loyal a partner as any Trooper ever had.

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He was a beloved member of the Massachusetts State Police family and the Stucenski family. He was, as much as any human of the member of the Department, one of us and part of us.” 

It wished Frankie “free time” and “godspeed”, with the former term being used by K9 handlers when the dogs die, because they believe they’ve earned eternal peace for their bravery in protecting others.