ALWAYS REMEMBER – A new statue, funded through community contributions, was unveiled in Weirton Thursday, paying tribute to the service of the K-9 officers of the Weirton Police Department. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — Weirton’s law enforcement community was joined by dozens of area residents Thursday, as they remembered the sacrifices of police officers across the country – both human and canine.

While Weirton observes National Peace Officer’ Memorial Day and National Police Week, in tribute to law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty, this year’s ceremony also served as an opportunity to unveil a new memorial, remembering the service of Weirton’s K-9 officers.

The project was undertaken by Sgt. Ryan Kuzma, inspired by the service of his former partner Rico, who unexpectedly died at home in April 2022.

Kuzma noted he originally resisted the idea, suggested by family members, both because of the pain of losing Rico after eight years of service together, and uncertainty of whether it would be supported.

Eventually, though, he approached City Manager Mike Adams and Weirton Council, and was given the go-ahead.

STAND TOGETHER — Officers of the Weirton Police Department were joined by members of the community and other guests Thursday, as part of the city’s observance of National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. -- Craig Howell

Reaching out to the community, $20,000 was raised to cover the costs of the statue and its pedestal.

“Once again, I was proven wrong,” Kuzma said. “The community rallied around it.”

A banner displayed Thursday listed the almost 90 residents, businesses and organizations who contributed to the project.

The memorial includes a plaque to display the names of Weirton’s K-9s.

It reads, “K-9 Memorial. Established March 1, 1994, the Weirton K-9 Program has made a lasting impact on our city and its residents. Each K-9, alongside their handler, served with unwavering dedication to protect and uphold the safety of our community. This memorial honors the loyal K-9s who faithfully served the Weirton Police Department, their partners, and the citizens of Weirton. Their courage, service, and sacrifice will always be remembered.”

The statue itself depicts K-9 Kitt, who, for 10 years, was the partner of Officer William Cushing of the Braintree Police Department in Massachusetts.

On June 4, 2021, Cushing and Kitt entered a wooded area searching for an armed suspect, along with two other officers. Upon tracking down their target, the suspect began firing at the officers, with Kitt struck by three bullets and Cushing by five bullets.

In memory of his service, Cushing established the K9 Kitt Foundation, a non-profit which helps to connect the public with opportunities to support K-9 teams across the country.

Mayor Dean Harris, in presenting proclamations as part of Thursday’s ceremony, recalled the creation of Weirton’s K-9 division in 1994 when he was serving on city council.

He told of an early incident with officers responding to a domestic situation in the city, and the decision was made to deploy the K-9 officer.

“That K-9 barked one time, and you never heard another voice,” Harris said.

Harris noted the attendance Thursday of former Weirton Police Chief Bruce Marshall, who was among the city’s earliest K-9 handlers.

The mayor also noted the importance of the continued service of police officers, saying they strive to keep the city safe, even while their job gets more dangerous.

“We can talk about how safe this community is because of each and every one of you,” he told the officers gathered.

According to Sgt. Scott Schrader, who served as master of ceremonies, in 2024, 165 law enforcement officers and 21 K-9s lost their lives in the line of duty across the United States. He referred to police work a calling, rather than a job, noting it takes a special person to step up to the line.

“Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid,” he said, quoting President Ronald Reagan.