GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Green Bay Police Department says the community continues to rally around injured K9 officer Pyro, who just received a special honor from the Mayor’s office.
It’s a special recognition for anyone to receive, let alone someone with fur and four legs.
On Tuesday, Pyro was presented with the “key to the city” by Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt.
Commander Kevin Warych with the Green Bay Police Department says it’s deserving recognition for a real-life hero.
“This dog saved countless injuries,” explains Commander Warych. “Made a situation go from really bad to an outcome to it where no one was hurt, we really have Pyro to thank for that.”
He says Mayor Schmitt has always been a major supporter of the police department and the honorary recognition doesn’t go unnoticed.
“For him to take some time out of his day and present Pyro with a key to the city, I bet it was very special for Officer Salzmann and for K9 Pyro,” he says.
An important thing for the community to remember, according to Commander Warych, is that Pyro is a full-fledged officer in the force.
His actions on Sunday stand out and hold importance to the same effect that it would if performed by any human member of the department.
“For Pyro to receive the key to the city it really shows the great work that he did,” says Commander Warych. “The bravery, the dedication to his job, and most importantly really protecting the officers on that call.”
Following the incident Sunday night, Pyro’s condition was determined to be critical and he underwent surgery Monday morning.
Pyro’s surgery was needed to repair a flipped stomach and a blood clot that kept the dog from breathing properly.
The individual that allegedly stabbed Pyro, 30-year-old Sai Vang, has been charged and currently faces three counts, including a felony charge of causing injury to a police animal, and misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and resisting.
According to Commander Warych, the community support for Pyro, both emotionally and financially, has been outstanding.
“Well it’s been overwhelming,” he says. “We’ve been fielding calls from everywhere.”
He hopes that sentiment continues going forward.
“Because the medical needs for Pyro probably will be for an extended amount of time, if not life long,” explains Commander Warych.
Thus far, around $30,000 has been raised to cover Pyro’s medical expenses and to donate more life saving K9 emergency medical kits to the department.
A fundraising event for Pyro is being held Thursday at Bark and Brew.
According to Mayor Schmitt, Tuesday was the first time in his sixteen years in office that he has given away a key to the city to a K9.
