New Lower Burrell police dog paid for with grant from Officer Brian Shaw Foundation

The main attraction at Lower Burrell council’s Monday night meeting was the city’s new police dog, “Buc.”

The 17-month-old German shepherd from Slovakia was accompanied by his handler, K-9 Officer Aaron Rodgers.

The dog was paid for with a grant from the Officer Brian Shaw Foundation, which helps local police departments with expenses not typically budgeted, including police dogs. Shaw, a Lower Burrell resident and a New Kensington police officer, was killed after a traffic stop in 2017.

Shaw family members were present as well as other supporters of the foundation who filled council chambers.

“Thanks to everyone for coming out,” Lower Burrell police Chief John Marhefka said. “I want to thank the Shaws and the Brian Shaw Foundation.”

The Shaw Foundation donated $15,000 to the city last August for the new police dog.

Buc was named after the Burrell Buccaneer mascot because Shaw graduated from the Burrell School District.

“I wanted my dog’s name to have a part of Brian and a part of the community behind his name,” Rodgers said in a statement.

The dog was trained at the Shallow Creek Kennels in Mercer County. Buc can detect narcotics and can participate in article, building and area searches, as well as apprehensions of suspects.

The dog will be a part of the city’s police patrols and community demonstrations.

Earlier this year, Lower Burrell’s previous police dog, Dax, and his handler, Sgt. Steve Cernava, retired.

Related:

• Shaw Foundation donates $15,000 to Lower Burrell for new police dog

• Officer Brian Shaw Foundation concert: Where brotherhood and gift baskets meet

• Lower Burrell police Sgt. Cernava and K-9 partner Dax to retire: ‘It just seems right’