New K-9 unit direct result of community fundraising in McKees Rocks

The McKees Rocks Police Department recently added a new officer to its squad — and he just so happens to patrol on all fours.

November marked the beginning of the department’s first full month with its new K-9 unit, which features Officer William Kelly, and his K-9 partner Roman, a fun-loving Belgian Malinois who is focused on bettering the McKees Rocks community.

Kelly said he always dreamed of working with a K-9 unit, and that goal felt achievable once he was hired by the McKees Rocks Police Department in February of 2020. As he gained more career experience, Kelly pitched the idea to Chief Rick Deliman and other community officials, and the proposal for a K-9 unit was eventually approved two years ago.

“And from there, we just started fundraising. The whole goal of this was to limit the financial burden on the department, because it is an expensive endeavor,” explained Kelly.

McKees Rocks Police Department set a fundraising goal of $80,000 to help finance the purchase of a K-9 vehicle, Kelly’s handler training, and to acquire and care for the dog. Kelly was surprised by how quickly the community came together to meet this goal. In about a year and a half, the department was able to welcome Roman to their team and begin training him for vital police work.

Kelly attended a six-week training program at Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Pa. that taught him how to properly handle Roman. Although Roman was pre-trained, the team still had a lot of work to do before Kelly could become a certified K-9 handler.

“He and I started to learn how to do everything together, and the big thing is he started to learn me, and I started to learn him,” said Kelly.

As the team continued through the program, they began to learn searching, tracking and apprehension techniques that will aid them in finding narcotics and missing people, while also deterring overall crime.

Kelly described this training as the hardest school he has ever attended.

“I have to be so aware of my demeanor, my leash control — even just me not smiling when I’m around him — little things make a big difference in his behavior,” said Kelly.

Now, the team is focused on daily training sessions and regular patrols that will help them perfect their skills.

“From here on out, it’s constant training to make sure we’re proficient. And, you know, him and I
create a stronger bond every day. And then with the ultimate goal of being a productive team,
so that McKees Rocks has a tool at its disposal that can help the community,” said Kelly.

When asked about further expansion of the program, Kelly explained that, with the small size of the department, it will just be him and Roman, for the time being. However, McKees Rocks Police Department will continue to host consistent fundraising events to finance the program.

Still in need of holiday cookies?

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, a holiday cookie walk, and photo op fundraiser will be held at the McKees Rocks V.F.W. Vesle Post 418, 1242 Chartiers Ave. For a $10 donation, humans and pets alike can bring a camera and take pictures with Santa Claus and The Grinch. Cookies are $20 per large container.

Additionally, there is a website devoted entirely to raising money for the continued costs of the K-9 unit.

Kelly is optimistic for the future of this program and vows to continue working to better the work he and Roman have already done.

“Myself, Roman and the department and the borough greatly appreciate the support from the community. This is a tool that we really need and look forward to implementing,” said Kelly.

Update: Story was updated with the dog’s breed.