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A brave law enforcement dog and his handler who were instrumental in the search for prison escapee Danilo Cavalcante in September were honored at the 22nd annual National Dog Show on November 18 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.
Rom, a skilled Belgian Malinois, and his partner, Trooper Dan Reed, are part of the Pennsylvania State Police K-9 unit, specializing in narcotics detection and tracking.
Rom’s remarkable tracking skills were called upon during the intense two-week manhunt for Cavalcante, who had escaped from Chester County Prison on August 31 while awaiting transfer to a state prison to serve a life sentence for fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in 2021.
Rom and Reed came exceptionally close to capturing Cavalcante on September 13, but due to bad weather and the need for a shift change, they had to return to headquarters.
The pursuit was then taken over by another Belgian Malinois named Yoda, from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who successfully apprehended Cavalcante on that fateful day.
Lieutenant Adam Reed, Pennsylvania State Police director of communications, told KYW News Radio that although Yoda and his handler “stole the show” by finally taking down Cavalcante, multiple K-9 units worked hundreds of hours during the two-week search. He also highlighted the crucial role of K-9 teams in day-to-day law enforcement.
“They’re able to go out and track not only wanted individuals like Cavalcante but also somebody that may be missing and endangered — a missing child, for example — so they work very, very hard to keep everybody safe,” Reed said.
In front of a crowd of about a thousand people, many of whom waited in line outside the arena to take pictures with the famous K-9, the 2023 National Dog Show paid tribute to Reed and Rom for their unwavering dedication and contributions to public safety. Trooper Lucious Fludd opened the show by singing the national anthem alongside the Pennsylvania State Police color guard.
The event provided an opportunity for the local community and viewers nationwide to celebrate the heroism of K-9 units and their handlers, showcasing the indispensable role they play in law enforcement and ensuring public safety. The National Dog Show is the most widely viewed dog show in America and airs on national TV on Thanksgiving Day.
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