State Police K-9 Frankie shot, killed during Fitchburg standoff
FITCHBURG – A State Police K-9 named Frankie was shot and killed during a standoff in Fitchburg Tuesday afternoon. It happened at a multi-family home on Oliver Street. The suspect apparently shot and killed himself.
State Police were attempting to arrest 38-year-old Matthew Mack who had warrants stemming from a shooting on July 21 in Fitchburg.
The State Police STOP team and negotiators made multiple attempts to get Mack to surrender peacefully.
At about 2:48 p.m., K-9 Frankie and his handler, Sergeant David Stucenski, attempted to arrest Mack when he appeared at a rear exit of the house. Mack fired multiple shots toward police, striking Frankie, police said. Mack then went back into the house. Sgt. Stucenski was not hurt.
At about 5:20 p.m., a State Police drone showed Mack dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. State Police said no officers fired their weapons.
Frankie was rushed to Wachusett Animal Hospital in Westminster where he died. Troopers later escorted his body to a pet crematorium in Rhode Island with full honors.
Frankie was a decorated member of the State Police K-9 team. In 2017, Frankie and Stucenski were awarded the Medal of Valor during the Hanna Awards for Bravery. They were honored for capturing a hit-and-run suspect who opened fire on them in West Springfield.
"As K-9 Frankie did hundreds of times before, he placed himself between our members and a dangerous subject. However, today this resulted in his ultimate sacrifice, something we will forever remember," the State Police Association of Massachusetts said.
Frankie, a Belgian Malinois, would have turned 11 years old next month. He was a member of the State Police for nine years.
He is the first State Police K-9 killed in the line of duty.
"His sacrifice will never be forgotten," Colonel Christopher Mason said. "Frankie had every trait we seek in a good law enforcement officer, canine or human: intelligence, immense courage, and dedication to protecting the public. He was as loyal a partner as any Trooper ever had."
Frankie was the first K-9 to receive EMS emergency care made possible by Nero's Law, which was passed by Massachusetts lawmakers last year. The law is named for the K-9 partner of slain Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon.
"When one of our K-9s pass, our K-9s have a saying - 'free time,' Mason said. "It means these brave dogs who work so hard to protect the rest of us have earned their eternal peace. Free time and Godspeed, Frankie."