Police Dog Named After Fallen Pittsburgh Officer

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Four police dogs showed off their training Friday during their graduation ceremony at the Canine Training Center on Washington Boulevard.

Three of the German shepherds, funded by Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's foundation, demonstrated their prowess at chasing down criminals.

The fourth dog named "Rizzo" has a different story. Officer Tony Yauch's canine partner has the middle name of Paul Sciullo II, one of three Pittsburgh officers slain by a gunman in Stanton Heights three years ago.

Sciullo's mother and father, Sue and Paul, Sr., helped raise $4,000 for the dog through a golf tournament co-sponsored by Lombardozzi Restaurant.

Trained in patrol duties and narcotics detection, Rizzo has already formed a bond with his partner.

"This is a dream come true," says officer Yauch. "I am so appreciative of what the Sciullos have done. My only goal now is to make them proud."

It appears that he already has.

"We love those guys and they loved my son," Paul Sciullo said.

"This is quite an honor," Sue Sciullo said. "His friends are the most wonderful people. We want to thank all of them and thank the police and we're just honored and proud."

It's likely that her son would feel the same way.

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