Pa. State Police’s K9 who aided hunt for escaped murderer to be honored at National Dog Show

A celebrity of sorts will be honored at The National Dog Show — a Pennsylvania State Police dog who helped in the high-profile search and arrest of an armed escaped murderer near Philadelphia.

Rom was heavily involved in the search for Danelo Cavalcante, who was captured Sept. 13 after a 13-day manhunt in a heavily wooded area, according to a social media post by the agency. The police canine will be joined at the dog show by Trooper Lucious Fludd, who will sing the national anthem, and the state police color guard.

The dog show, held annually by The Kennel Club of Philadelphia, will be broadcast on NBC at noon on Thanksgiving Day. The show will be taped Saturday.

PSP K9 Rom, heavily involved in the search for escapee Danelo Cavalcante, will be honored at the 2023 National Dog Show. Trooper Lucious Fludd will sing the national anthem at the opening of the show, alongside the PSP color guard. ???????? Watch on NBC, 12 noon, Thanksgiving Day. pic.twitter.com/iktyOpbQNg

— PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) November 16, 2023

Law enforcement used a plane outfitted with a thermal imaging camera and teams on the ground, including police dogs, to locate Cavalcante and surround him early Sept. 13. He had escaped from a county jail while awaiting transfer to a state prison to serve a life sentence. The intense search spanned two weeks while the suspect broke into homes for food, changed his appearance and stole a rifle and van.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol police dog Yoda has been credited with the apprehension. Yoda bit Cavalcante on the head and thigh as he crawled through heavy brush in an effort to escape.

Westmoreland handlers have said their police dogs’ speed, agility and nose work can complement the human officer’s capabilities, as well as providing an alternative to lethal force. Police dogs helped throughout the search for Cavalcante and state police dog Loki suffered a heat-related illness.