My partner, Urgo, was 13-years old when he passed away on Friday, August 12th.

He worked for the Rogers, Arkansas Police Department for 10 years. He was involved in several high profile arrest in the area. He visited area schools on a regular basis. He was the NNDDA (National Narcotic Detector Dog Association) Patrol Dog State Champion for the Arkansas Region Overall in 2008, and the State Runner Up in 2006.

urgo
Urgo was a Belgian Malinois purchased from Von Klein Stein Working Dogs in North Little Rock Arkansas.

He was credited with several high profile narcotics arrests in the Northwest Arkansas area, including seizures of 25 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value at a half million dollars and a cash seizure of $275,000 – both on traffic stops. He was also credited for saving not only my life, but the life of a 10 year old boy during a traffic stop where he was deployed to apprehend a suspect that had assaulted me. The suspect had several felony warrants outstanding, and was also in possession of Methamphetamine.

My partner and I made over 25 visits to the area schools for demonstrations.

Urgo wasn’t a part of Big Ben’s grant project, but it is an awesome thing that he does. I know he is a dog lover and a police supporter and for that, I thank him!

These police K9s are a necessity for any police department in today’s environment. They easily pay for themselves within a couple years time with the amount of narcotics that they take off the street, the lives they save – including ours, and the piece of mind they give their human partners.

I believe that Ben’s foundation is one of true blessings for law enforcement today! It is amazing that someone in his position would not only raise, but also give his own money to help purchase these dogs to help us in fighting crime and saving lives, and also offering us extra protection and peace of mind while performing our duties.

Urgo will be dearly missed by this Steelers family! — Officer Joe Warren.


Heroes

They never think about themselves
no challenge is too great,
They’ll risk their life for anyone
and never hesitate.

They don’t expect a medal for
what comes so naturally,
The only thing they really need
is Love from you and me.

These Heroes are a special breed
God made each one that way,
I didn’t understand until
they buried mine today.

By: Freda H. Babinski




Big Ben’s Touchdowns for K9’s –

“We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part.” — Ben.



This football season, Ben is pledging $1,000 per throwing touchdown to his foundation. Supporters can increase the impact by pledging to donate any amount per touchdown at https://pledgeit.org/big-ben.


For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, please contact Jessica Duffaut at www.givingback.org.