City of Pittsburgh K-9 Officer Rocco to Posthumously Receive the Wodan Animal Hero Award from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association Thursday

HUMMELSTOWN, Pa., Aug. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, August 14, City of Pittsburgh K-9 Rocco will posthumously be awarded The Wodan Animal Hero Award from the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association. K-9 Officer Bill Watts from the Pittsburgh Police will be on hand to accept the award on behalf of Rocco. The award is being given in recognition and appreciation of his selfless act of bravery and heroism by giving his life to protect and save the lives of fellow police officers in the line of duty.

In January, Rocco was part of a team of police attempting to apprehend a suspect with outstanding warrants. After hiding in a building, Rocco's handler, Officer Phil Lerza, made five verbal warnings to him to make himself known or the dog would be released. Failing to receive a response, Rocco was released into the building and a struggle took place. The suspect viciously attacked the dog and injured other officers before being subdued. Rocco had been slashed and stabbed multiple times. He died two days later at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center.

The Wodan Animal Hero Award was created in 2001 to recognize the courageous and heroic acts of Pennsylvania animals in the preservation and protection of animal or human life. The award was named after its inaugural recipient, Wodan, a City of Harrisburg K-9 officer who was shot four times while trying to apprehend a suspect with his handler, Officer Michael Lamonto. Even gravely wounded, Wodan was still able to protect his fellow officers and detain the suspect until the officers could apprehend him.

The awards luncheon will begin at 11:30am on Thursday, August 14 in the Nigerian Room at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA.

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) is the only statewide professional organization of over 2,500 veterinarians, veterinary technicians and assistants, and practice managers from across the Commonwealth. The association, which was established in 1883, strives to advance animal welfare and human health while ensuring the vitality of the veterinary profession. PVMA's website is available at www.pavma.org.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA)