Patrol Officer Paul Fronckowiak, K-9 Unit
Since 2009, when he was assigned to the Canine Unit, PO Paul Fronckowiak has participated in hundreds of community outreach and special events with his K-9 partner Benny, engaging thousands of people with his friendly demeanor, talks about safety, and Paul’s favorite topic: the great work done by Benny and fellow members of the Canine Unit. PO Fronckowiak is a certified police canine handler and a bomb technician with the CPD Bomb Squad. Benny is certified both as a patrol dog and in explosives detection. Together, they respond city-wide to assist in all five neighborhood police districts answering calls for unattended and suspicious packages, tracking suspects, performing building searches and helping locate missing persons. They also do security sweeps of venues for special events.
PO Fronckowiak’s Canine Partner, Benny
Whenever called upon, they have enthusiastically participated in events that engage the public, representing the CPD and Canine Unit in a most exemplary manner. Perhaps Cleveland Police Foundation Liaison Officer Captain Keith Sulzer stated it best: “Paul is available for all the Cleveland Police Foundation and Community Policing events at a moment’s notice. He and Benny go the extra mile to be engaging, entertaining and informative. There are few encounters that put a bigger smile on your face than seeing Paul and Benny interact with children.” When advised of that statement, PO Fronckowiak quipped, “Benny does the hard part; I’m just the chauffeur.” For his devotion to duty and to the philosophy of community policing, the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to recognize Patrol Officer Paul Fronckowiak as its Police Officer of the Month for August 2017.