Framingham – In a heartfelt ceremony last week, the Massachusetts State Police dedicated a new memorial at General Headquarters honoring K-9 Frankie, who served bravely for nine years with the State Police as part of the Special Tactical Operations Team.
K-9 Frankie was tragically killed in the line of duty during a hostile event response in Fitchburg in 2022, a loss that deeply impacted his handler, Sergeant David Stucenski, as well as his family, loved ones, and colleagues in the State Police.
Colonel Geoffrey Noble expressed the significance of the memorial, stating, “This memorial provides an important, dedicated space to celebrate the life of K-9 Frankie and reflect on the enormous contributions of K-9s and their handlers to the mission of the State Police.”
He added gratitude towards those who made the memorial possible, emphasizing that it symbolizes the promise to honor fallen heroes both immediately following tragedies and in the years that follow.
The memorial is strategically placed to the left of the main entrance to General Headquarters, serving as a permanent tribute to K-9 Frankie’s nine years of dedicated service. Skilled artisans from Utah created a life-size bronze figure of Frankie, poised atop a granite base, using cherished images and videos from his career.
Funded entirely by an anonymous donor through the State Police Association of Massachusetts’ Benevolent Fund, the memorial has created a lasting space of remembrance.
Brian Williams, President of the State Police Association of Massachusetts, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the collaboration with the Department in bringing the memorial to fruition. He said, “We are forever thankful for the sacrifices of the men and women of the State Police and their animal partners. This memorial ensures that K-9 Frankie’s sacrifice will always be remembered and honored and will never be forgotten.”
Williams extended gratitude to K-9 Frankie’s handler, Sergeant Stucenski, for his 25 years of service to the Massachusetts State Police, wishing him and his family a healthy and happy retirement.
Through their partnership, K-9 Frankie and Sergeant Stucenski achieved remarkable success, earning multiple accolades including the George L. Hanna Medal of Valor, the State Police Medal of Merit, and several awards from the United States Police Canine Association for excellence in evidence recovery, agility, and various law enforcement skills.
Their training was put to the test on the morning of July 26, 2022, when a violent fugitive suspect, wanted for a recent shooting, was located by the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and Fitchburg Police. Over several hours, State and Local Police, including the STOP Team and Crisis Negotiation Unit, worked diligently to resolve the situation peacefully.
Despite the threats, K-9 Frankie and Sergeant Stucenski made the courageous decision to approach the suspect when he was seen exiting the building. This selfless act during a perilous moment changed their lives forever.
As they approached, the suspect opened fire on K-9 Frankie and Sergeant Stucenski before retreating back into the residence. Immediate efforts by the STOP Team ensured Frankie was extricated from the scene and transported via ambulance to Wachusett Animal Hospital in Westminster.
This urgent transport was the first of its kind made possible by Nero’s Law, enacted the previous year, which allows emergency medical services (EMS) to treat and transport injured police dogs. The Law was created in response to the devastating death of K-9 Nero and the loss of his partner, Sergeant Shawn Gannon, also killed in the line of duty.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the medical team, K-9 Frankie didn’t survive the injuries sustained during the incident but was remembered as a true hero.
At the dedication ceremony, Colonel Noble noted the profound loss, but praised the Troopers for maintaining focus on their mission, stating, “Eventually, the Drone Unit made visual observations of the building where they captured images of the suspect deceased inside from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The poise and skill of everyone involved in that hostile situation is a testament to the strength and resolve of this Department.”
K-9 Frankie is honored as the first and only State Police K-9 to be killed in the line of duty and was commemorated during the 2023 National K-9 Memorial Commemoration in Washington, D.C.
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