Crime & Safety

Police Chief Remembers K-9 With Fondness, Gratitude

Leo spent seven years in Wakefield. Police Chief thanks community for supporting department and Rossicone family, praises K-9's roles on the force.

Early this week, the Wakefield Police Department had to put its K-9 down after an inoperable cancerous tumor was found

The following was provided by Police Chief Richard Smith this week in response to the support the department has received from the community since then: 

On behalf of the men and women of the Wakefield Police Department, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the kind expressions of sympathy extended due to the untimely and sudden death of Leo, our Police K9. K9 Leo was diagnosed last Sunday night with an incurable tumor and had to be put down.  He had served with us for seven years.

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K9 Leo and his handler, Patrol Officer Brett Rossicone were partners; teamed up to not only tackle some of the most daunting assignments in police work, but also in their roles as members of our community and Police Department family.  They worked side by side in their many roles; whether educating our children, protecting our officers, searching buildings for fleeing suspects, searching neighborhoods for lost citizens, many being children, or locating and identifying illicit narcotics and drugs.  There is no doubt that Leo helped reduce some of the drug flow in Wakefield. 

Leo was not “just a dog” as I heard him once described.  He was a member of our department, a hard worker and revered not only for his talents in his K9 role but also as a protector of our officers.  He came to work each day ready to work; and he worked hard.  He was a beautiful dog, handsome in appearance but fearless in the performance of his duties.

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Our K9 program started over seven years ago thanks to the support of the Wakefield Rotary.  A successful fundraiser was held and enough funds were raised to purchase Leo.  The Town of Wakefield assisted our program by funding a cruiser and incidentals needed to keep the program moving.  Many private citizens contributed to the fund and still do today. His name was picked by a local student who competed in a contest to name our “new police dog”.  It was truly a community effort. To all, we are forever grateful.

Leo has now joined the ranks of those who have served our town.  He still remains in our hearts and our sympathy extends to the Rossicone family with whom Leo lived while “off duty”.  On Thursday, Leo’s remains were returned to Wakefield under police escort.  He was delivered to the Rossicone family by our officers under the watchful and teary eye of his handler PO Brett Rossicone.  Our uniformed officers stood tall as his remains, in a small wooden box with a paw etched on the cover, were delivered to their final resting place on the mantle of the Rossicone home.

Farewell our four footed furry friend.  You did a great job, you will be missed and we thank you for your service.  Rest in peace; your shift is done.

Chief Smith


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