Ben Roethlisberger’s foundation will replace slain Pittsburgh police dog

The city of Pittsburgh lost police dog Rocco last week, after the K-9 died from blood loss and pneumonia resulting from a stab wound. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police spends between $6,500 and $8,000 to purchase an untrained dog, so that is a hefty price tag for an important part of the law enforcement group.

While the city could be struggling to find the funds to replace Rocco after his slaying, there is another important figure in the city that has stepped up to help with the purchase.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will be helping to cover the costs.

“I do believe we’ll be making a separate announcement regarding Rocco’s department and what we might be able to do for them,” Ms. Duffaut said.

Roethlisberger’s foundation released the following statement:

“The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation started when a police K-9 was shot and killed where I grew up, in Findlay, OH,” Roethlisberger said.

“My family and I were moved by what that dog meant to the police force, and learned that similar K-9′s all over the country are helping to keep our communities safe. This last week, a K-9 officer named Rocco was killed in my current hometown of Pittsburgh. After talking with officer Phil Lerza and getting his blessing, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation would like to announce that we are going to get Officer Lerza a new dog. Rocco can never be replaced, but we only hope to help with the healing process and to provide Officer Lerza with another loyal partner.”

There was plenty of public outcry after the death of Rocco, but the Steelers quarterback will be doing everything he can to help those who were affected.