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Frankie

K-9 Frankie honored at Fitchburg Police Memorial Park

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FITCHBURG — A large crowd gathered downtown on May 21 at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park to pay tribute to fallen city police officers and unveil a memorial statue in honor of state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last summer.

A large crowd gathered on May 21 at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park to pay tribute to fallen city police officers and unveil a memorial in honor of state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last July. (COURTESY FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT)
A large crowd gathered on May 21 at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park to pay tribute to fallen city police officers and unveil a memorial in honor of state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last July. (COURTESY FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT)

Frankie was shot on July 26, 2022, during an attempt to apprehend an armed suspect who had barricaded himself inside a residence in the city. Despite being transported by ambulance to Wachusett Animal Hospital in Westminster and life-saving measures administered, the 10-year-old Belgian Malinois unfortunately succumbed to his injuries with state police Sgt. David Stucenski, his handler, partner, and best friend, by his side.

Frankie was the first Massachusetts State Police K-9 killed in the line of duty and the first police K-9 in the state to receive emergency care under Nero’s Law, which is named for a Yarmouth Police Department K-9 wounded in 2018. Frankie served nine years with the MSP and was highly decorated after answering hundreds of calls, including earning the Medal of Valor in 2017 with Stucenski.

A memorial statue was unveiled in Fitchburg on May 21 in honor of Massachusetts State Police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last July. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE)
A memorial statue was unveiled in Fitchburg on May 21 in honor of Massachusetts State Police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last July. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE)

“The relationship between our law enforcement community and our K-9 partners is inseparable,” said Fitchburg Police Chief Ernie Martineau following the somber event. “The senseless death of K-9 Frankie rocked our community. It’s an honor to preserve his dedication to service and duty for all to witness at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park.”

The Fitchburg Police Relief Association, which organizes the yearly occasion, raised thousands of dollars to create a memorial statue for K-9 Frankie. This was the 59th annual Police Memorial Service, during which two city police officers killed in the line of duty were also acknowledged – Kenneth Bell, whose last call was on Oct. 18, 1962, and Peter Nikitas, whose last call was on Aug. 27, 1978.

A granite marker at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park pays tribute to two city police officers killed in the line of duty Kenneth Bell, whose last call was on Oct. 18, 1962, and Peter Nikitas, whose last call was on Aug. 27, 1978. (COURTESY FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT)
A granite marker at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park pays tribute to two city police officers killed in the line of duty – Kenneth Bell, whose last call was on Oct. 18, 1962, and Peter Nikitas, whose last call was on Aug. 27, 1978. (COURTESY FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT)

“This date will show remembrance for current and former officers of the Fitchburg Police Department,” reads a post on the FPD Facebook page. “…We thank all who made donations toward the Frankie statue over this past year. It would not have been possible without the countless donations made from people and organizations from across the United States and the Fitchburg community.”

The Leominster Police Department recognized FPD’s efforts with its own social media post.

“This beautiful memorial and statue of K9 Frankie, who was killed in the line of duty on July 26th, 2022, was dedicated by our sister City, Fitchburg, MA yesterday. K9 Frankie was near and dear to us all in this area and will never be forgotten.”

A large crowd gathered on May 21 at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park to pay tribute to fallen city police officers and unveil a memorial in honor of state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last July. (COURTESY FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT)
A large crowd gathered on May 21 at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park to pay tribute to fallen city police officers and unveil a memorial in honor of state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last July. (COURTESY FITCHBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT)

Leominster Police Chief Aaron Kennedy said they are proud of their fellow Twin Cities police department for paying tribute to K-9 Frankie in a very fitting and dignified way.

“The tragedy that involved State Trooper Frankie and the Fitchburg Police Department affected every K-9 handler and officer across our country and state. Therefore, the Fitchburg Police did a fitting tribute to honor Trooper Frankie for his bravery and dedicated service to the Massachusetts community,” Kennedy conveyed on Wednesday. “The statue of Frankie was shared by many via social media and the number of likes and love was well deserved for his service. The figure of Frankie is going to continue his memory and legacy forever.”

Moment of silence held for K-9 Frankie, Fitchburg memorial planned

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FITCHBURG — Dozens of heads bowed in reverent unison on Saturday afternoon at the annual Fitchburg Dog Park festival during a moment of silence for K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in July.

A GoFundMe set up by the Fitchburg Police Relief Association is raising money for a life-size granite memorial in honor of highly decorated state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last month in the city. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE)
A GoFundMe set up by the Fitchburg Police Relief Association is raising money for a life-size granite memorial in honor of highly decorated state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last month in the city. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE)

“We are here today in honor of Frankie,” said Vest-a-Dog board member Rachel Dodson. “Frankie is a great example of these dogs putting their lives on the line to protect civilians, their handlers, and the team behind them. I think he would be proud, and we are very proud to see the outpouring of support for all law enforcement as a result of what happened to him. And I absolutely know his handler is grateful for the outpouring of support.”

Frankie, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, won numerous distinctions and was highly decorated alongside handler Sgt. David Stucenski during his nine years as a Massachusetts State Police K-9.

He was the first K-9 in state police history killed in the line of duty during an altercation that took place in Fitchburg on July 26 when an armed man barricaded himself in a three-decker home downtown. Police tried to arrest the man on warrants charging him with firearms offenses and accessory after the fact stemming from a shooting incident in Fitchburg the previous week.

The man later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Stucenski was not injured in the confrontation.

Vest-a-Dog Vice President Kelly Robinson, who is married to a retired K-9 officer, said the all-volunteer nonprofit organization that provided Frankie’s bulletproof vest provides funding that “goes to essential equipment” for K-9 training including bite sleeves and more.

Gardner Police Officer Josh Willis attended Saturday’s festival with his K-9 partner, Rocky, and provided K-9 demonstrations along with Fitchburg State University Police Officer Erin Morreale and K-9 Oden, and State Police Officer Chat Tata and K-9 partner Luna.

(L. to r.) Vest-a-Dog Vice President Kelly Robinson and board member Rachel Dodson were joined by Gardner Police Officer Josh Willis and his K-9 partner Rocky at the annual Fitchburg Dog Park Festival on Aug. 27, where a moment of silence was held for K-9 Frankie who was shot and killed in the line of duty last month. (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)
Left to right, Vest-a-Dog Vice President Kelly Robinson and board member Rachel Dodson were joined by Gardner Police Officer Josh Willis and his K-9 partner Rocky at the annual Fitchburg Dog Park Festival on Aug. 27, where a moment of silence was held for K-9 Frankie who was shot and killed in the line of duty last month. (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

The Fitchburg Police Relief Association recently announced a GoFundMe fundraiser for the construction of a life-sized granite memorial in Frankie’s likeness, which will be permanently on display at the Fitchburg Police Memorial Park located near the end of the Water Street bridge.

“Forming this memorial is significant, as Frankie’s steadfast dedication to his job reflected his daily performance,” said Fitchburg Police Officer Ryan Kreidler and FPRA vice president. “Throughout Frankie’s 9-year career, he compiled several awards for bravery and valor.”

Kreidler added, “Frankie’s tragic death holds significance within the commonwealth for two notable aspects.”

“Frankie is the first Massachusetts State Police K-9 to be killed in the line of duty. Additionally, Frankie would become the first K-9 to be transported by ambulance and receive medical care under a newly signed law in Massachusetts called ‘Nero’s Law.’ This law allowed Frankie to receive immediate on-scene care, ambulance transport, and hospital care.”

A GoFundMe set up by the Fitchburg Police Relief Association is raising money for a life-size granite memorial in honor of highly decorated state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last month in the city. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE)
A GoFundMe set up by the Fitchburg Police Relief Association is raising money for a life-size granite memorial in honor of highly decorated state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last month in the city. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE)

Kreidler, a city police officer for two years and FPRA vice president for one year, said the organization was “inspired to organize a memorial for Frankie, as Fitchburg Police and the Massachusetts State Police often collaborate,” including at the incident which led to Frankie’s death.

Kreidler was one of many city and regional officers there that day and provided support to the Massachusetts State Police STOP Team, including Stucenski and Frankie, after they “were presented with a wanted armed fugitive that was barricaded within the confines of his residence.”

“As STOP Team personnel attempted negotiations, gunfire erupted, to which Frankie was struck,” Kreidler recalled. “As this occurred, Fitchburg officers on scene and STOP Team members alike responded rapidly to ensure the best possible evacuation and escort of Frankie to safety.”

Fitchburg EMS transported Frankie to Wachusett Animal Hospital. Despite extensive measures to save his life, Frankie succumbed to his injuries with Stucenski by his side.

Kreidler said as members of the FPRA, they believe recognizing Frankie’s service to Fitchburg and the state should be permanently documented.

“Placing this statue at our police memorial shows our bond with our K-9 partners, allowing Frankie’s memory to live on,” Kreidler said.

A GoFundMe set up by the Fitchburg Police Relief Association is raising money for a life-size granite memorial in honor of highly decorated state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last month in the city. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE)
A GoFundMe set up by the Fitchburg Police Relief Association is raising money for a life-size granite memorial in honor of highly decorated state police K-9 Frankie, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last month in the city. (COURTESY MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE)

As of Tuesday afternoon, close to $16,000 has been raised towards the $100,000 goal for the memorial.

“Words cannot express our gratitude to those who have donated and shared our post, as it shows the bond between the community and the Commonwealth,” Kreidler said. “We appreciate our supporters as they leave messages memorializing Frankie and encouraging this project forward.”

Questions may be directed to Fitchburg Police Relief Association Vice President Officer Ryan Kreidler by calling 978-956-3205 or emailing rkreidler@police.fitchburgma.gov.

Mail correspondence can be sent to the Fitchburg Police Relief Association at PO Box 7476, Fitchburg, Mass. 01420. People are asked not to call the Fitchburg Police Department itself.