7.Rocco The Pittsburgh Police Dog
It is no coincidence that law enforcement canines are so widely represented on this list. They are often the first line of defense, rushing into situations too unsafe for humans.
On January 28, 2014, Deputy John Herb confronted a suspicious figure walking on Butler Street in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. The suspect, 21-year-old John Rush, attacked the deputy, reaching for his gun and punching him in the face. Before Rush could be subdued, he fled.
He was later confronted in the basement of 3700 Butler Street by Philip Lerza and several other officers, including his K9, eight-year-old Rocco. Rush produced a knife, stabbing both Lerza and Rocco before he was captured. Lerza’s injury was minor, but Rocco wasn’t so lucky. The blade had sliced through his back, damaging his spine and kidney. Two surgeries and multiple blood transfusions followed, but Rocco developed pneumonia and his internal bleeding continued. He died two days later.
Rush had an extensive criminal background, including offenses against minors and acts of violence, with a history of mental illness. His crimes will likely keep him behind bars for many years to come. Rocco was buried with full honors, and a bill called “Rocco’s Law” is on the way to becoming passed in Pennsylvania. It will make it a second-degree felony to hurt a police dog, with a $25,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison for offenders.
