Greensburg's police dog, Falco, retires

After six years of service, one of Greensburg’s police dogs has retired.

Falco, who served on the city force since 2015 alongside handler Patrolman Justin Scalzo, retired June 18.

Council members unanimously approved Falco’s retirement during Monday’s meeting.

“We wish him all the best as he begins his well-deserved retirement,” Mayor Robert Bell said.

During his time on the force, Falco assisted in several incidents and has made appearances at events such as the Fire Prevention Day held outside Westmoreland Mall and gave demonstrations at Westmoreland County Camp Cadet.

Falco previously served alongside Scalzo with the Jeannette Police Department. Jeannette retired Falco, giving the dog to Scalzo when he moved to Greensburg in 2014. Falco in 2015 joined Dax, then the city’s only police dog. Dax retired last year and died soon after at age 13.

“While Patrolman Scalzo will not be retiring, Falco will have the luxury of being a faithful pet,” a June Facebook post from the police department reads. “He gets to rest during the day and wait for dad to come home to play.”

The city is in the process of training two new police dogs — Enzo and Ace — which council members approved the purchase of last month. In all, the dogs cost $11,000 plus $2,800 for shipping from the Netherlands. The purchase will be covered by funds received from the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office.

Patrolmen Jason Fidazzo and Ken Burke will be their handlers.