New Kensington Mayor Tom Guzzo swore in the newest member of the city’s police force Monday evening — after the new recruit was done scratching.
Deuce, an almost 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, was acquired with the help of slain police Officer Brian Shaw’s family.
His parents, Stephan and Lisa Shaw, and brother Steffan Shaw were on-hand for the ceremony, along with Deuce’s handler, Patrolman Joe Martino, who answered the oath for his partner.
Brian Shaw was 25 when he was shot and killed while on duty in November 2017 during a traffic stop and foot chase on Leishman Avenue.
Deuce’s swearing in came just a couple of days after an annual fundraiser was held Saturday, proceeds from which went to the Officer Brian Shaw Foundation.
The foundation, a nonprofit that awards scholarships to high school students and supports local police departments, provided the funding for New Kensington to acquire and train the dog, Mayor Tom Guzzo said.
How much the foundation gave toward the dog was not disclosed.
The dog’s name is in honor of Brian Shaw’s soccer jersey number — 2 — from when he played at Burrell High School.
The dog’s badge number is “29K.” Brian Shaw’s badge number had been 29. Martino put the badge on Deuce’s collar and scratched his ears.
New Kensington has not had a police dog since 2007, police Chief Bob Deringer said.
Deuce will be used for drug detection, tracking and apprehension, Deringer said. He’ll live with Martino.
Correction: The Officer Brian Shaw Foundation provided the funding for Deuce, and Shaw wore No. 2 when he played soccer at Burrell High School. A previous version of the story contained incorrect information.
