BOSTON — A Mass State Police K9 was shot and killed at a standoff in Fitchburg Tuesday afternoon, a “heartbreaking” loss as Frankie became the first MSP canine to be killed in the line of duty.
Frankie, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois who was a member of Mass State Police for nine years, was fatally shot while trying to apprehend a wanted fugitive who had barricaded himself inside a residence. Frankie’s handler, Trooper David Stucenski, was not physically injured.
“His sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Col. Christopher Mason said at a press conference while announcing Frankie’s death. “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.
