Rocco, the Monticello Police Department's K-9 Officer, has been getting a lot of action lately.
Yesterday (July 8), and just two days prior, Rocco sprung into action and both times he brought down a man that was fighting with the police while being arrested on drug charges.
Those two apprehensions caught the eye of Empire Resorts Executive Vice President Charlie Degliomini. Empire Resorts is the parent company of Monticello Casino & Raceway.
When Degliomini learned that the Monticello Police Department was hurt by budget cuts to the canine program, he wanted to help support the very worthwhile project.
Consequently, upon Degliomini’s lead, the Monticello Casino and Raceway made a donation to the Monticello Police Department’s K-9 unit, and soon after, Degliomini got a chance to meet Rocco, a 125-pound German Sheppard, and his handler, officer John Calvello.
Officer Calvello and Rocco came to Monticello Casino and Raceway to accept a cheque which will be used to for equipment and materials to support the important canine program.
Degliomini enjoyed meeting both Rocco and his handler.
“It was an honour to meet Officer Calvello and K-9 Officer Rocco and we are pleased to support the efforts of the Monticello PD K-9 unit,” Degliomini said. “We are going to encourage other businesses in the area to also donate.”
There is a Facebook page named 'Monticello K-9 Officer Rocco' that will take donations.
(Monticello)