Roman, a 3-year-old K-9 with the McKees Rocks Police Department, will be featured in the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial 2027 Dogs of Law Enforcement Calendar. (Photo courtesy of McKees Rocks Police Department)

McKees Rocks K-9 Roman featured in national calendar

Carrie Moniot

August 26, 2026

A K-9 with the McKees Rocks Police Department is getting national attention.

Roman, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, will be featured in the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial 2027 Dogs of Law Enforcement Calendar.

Rick Deliman, the McKees Rocks police chief, said he was very pleased that Roman was selected to be included in the 2027 calendar.

“It’s something positive for the K-9 unit, the department and McKees Rocks.” Deliman said. “It’s positive news, which unfortunately we don’t get a lot of.”

Roman was among 22 finalists vying for the honor.

“In the picture, he looks happy and enthusiastic, which may have contributed to people voting for him,” Deliman pointed out.

Patrolman Will Kelly said in April when Roman was nominated for inclusion in the calendar that it would help with fundraising “and being able to keep the K-9 program going.”

A six-year veteran of the McKees Rocks police force, Kelly grew up around K-9 handlers. His uncle worked with two dogs in Charleston, W.Va.

Roman, who came from Mercer County’s Shallow Creek Kennels, is a dual-purpose dog, certified in narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension.

Founded in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement and making it safer for those who serve.

More than 4,400 votes were cast this spring in the online contest to pick the 12 K-9s featured in the 2027 Dogs of Law Enforcement Calendar.

In addition to Roman, the winners are:

• Alamo, New Milford (Connecticut) Police Department, Officer John Legan
• Boss II , Pentagon Force Protection Agency, Officer Nicholas Winter
• Heath, Sterling Heights (Michigan) Police Department, Officer Scott DeMuynck
• Jessie (ret.), Jefferson County (Colorado) Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Kelly Fosler
• Koa, Montgomery County (Maryland) Police Department, Corporal Stephanie Simon
• Luna, Star Police (Idaho) ACSO Contract, Deputy Samuel Goldstein
• Mao, Golden (Colorado) Police Department, Officer Shawn Henslee
• Nelle, U.S. Marshals, Deputy Nicole Lopez
• Nelson (ret.), Howard County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Office, Detective William Cline
• SATA, Spartanburg County (South Carolina) Sheriff’s Office, Sr. Investigator Brandon Letterman
• Tracker, Alachua County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Deputy Michael Ricks

To receive a copy of the limited edition 2027 Dogs of Law Enforcement Calendar and honor law enforcement officers all year, make a gift today: https://bit.ly/4xjwqZi

Calendar distribution began this month and will continue while supplies last.