It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that one of our four-legged foundation friends, K9 Steel, has passed away. Thank you for your service, Steel! Rest in Peace Hero!!




“My husband obtained his K9 with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office through the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation in 2016. He sadly passed away on Saturday, 09/14/19. Steel was a major part of our family. Not only was he an asset to our community but he was so loving to my husband, me and both of our young children. He was loved deeply and again, I just want to thank Ben’s foundation from the bottom of my heart.” — Maria Demirci.




“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of K9 Steel. [On Saturday, September 14th], we said goodbye with a final salute to our SCSO hero. Please keep his handler, Deputy Demirci, and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of their K9 family member. Deputy Demirci and Steel have worked tirelessly to protect the community — from searching for dangerous criminals to finding missing persons. We will miss Steel and never forget his service to our county. #RIPSteel” — Sheriff David P. Decatur, Stafford County (VA) Sheriff’s Office.