09/26/2026
Honoring the Life and Service of Our First K9, Baki
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of our beloved K9 Baki following a courageous four-month battle with cancer.
Baki was an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, but his place in our Sheriff’s Office goes far beyond his years of service.
Baki was our very first K9, and Deputy Sheriff John Baldelli was our first K9 handler. Together, they established the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office K9 program and set the standard for every team that will follow.
Their journey began in 2020 when Baki, originally from the Czech Republic, graduated from the Pittsburgh Police K-9 Academy and began serving alongside John. Over the next six years, they trained together, worked together, traveled together, and built a partnership founded on absolute trust.
Baki served our community as a highly trained explosive detection and patrol K9. He assisted numerous law enforcement agencies, conducted searches at schools, businesses, and public events, and supported major security operations throughout Western Pennsylvania, including presidential and vice-presidential appearances.
Even during his final year, Baki continued doing what he loved. In June, Baki and John successfully completed patrol and explosive detection recertifications following advanced training with Tri-State Canine Services. Later that summer, they traveled to Canton, Ohio, where Baki worked security operations surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.
But Baki’s story cannot be told simply through certifications, deployments, or accomplishments.
To John, Baki was his partner and constant companion. To John’s family, he was family. And to all of us at the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, he was one of our own.
For four months, Baki fought cancer with the same courage and determination that defined his years of service. Sadly, that fight has come to an end.
Our hearts are especially with Deputy Baldelli and his family as they say goodbye to a partner, companion, and friend who can never truly be replaced.
Baki was our first. He was our trailblazer. His paw prints are forever part of the history of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and every K9 team that wears our patch in the years ahead will follow a path that Baki and John helped create.
Rest easy, Baki.
You were a good boy. You served faithfully, you were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.
