by Mark O’Reilly
K9 Handler, Supervisor, Master Trainer
Cynergy CrossFit Coach
“Extraordinary requests, extraordinary answers, extraordinary support.”
There’s a lot of depth behind this simple slogan when applied to the law enforcement canine (K9) community. K9 handlers ask a lot of these working dogs on behalf of the public they serve, and these unique partners answer every time. Training and focus are key aspects, but in truth these are facilitated almost entirely by their unconditional love for the partnership with their handler. The K9 Kitt Foundation recognizes this and works to ensure K9 teams have the support, resources, and equipment necessary to withstand critical incidents that put their partnerships to the test, often with life altering results.
As most of you know, Cynergy CrossFit is hosting a Hero W.O.D Fundraiser on Oct. 2nd 2022 at Cynergy. K9 KITT (Braintree Police Department) was killed in the line of duty on June 4th 2021 when he charged forward through direct gunfire. KITT absorbed 3 fatal rounds that day while simultaneously enabling the officers to return fire, proving “hero’s” come in a variety of forms. His actions saved the lives of 3 police officers, including his handler of 10 years, William “Billy” Cushing.
Some may think such an action comes solely from training or their ingrained nature, but I can tell you firsthand that the ability to charge forward in the face of a grave threat like gunfire comes from the love for their handler. The relationship or “bond” as we call it, is forged in every experience the K9 has with their handler. From a first introduction to countless sessions of repetitive and advancing training, to the real world calls for service experiences in support of the community where they work. As K9 handlers we immerse our animal partners in our homelife as well, making them part of our families as they live, grow, and play in our homes. All of this collectively is the fuel that drives actions like what K9 KITT demonstrated that summer day.
So what’s my point here? These animals overcome countless challenges for the chance to enter into this life and once there they give their entire existence to it. Their only ask in return, unconditional love and care. So in the spirit of K9 KITT and all the other police K9’s across this state and country who take on challenges fearlessly with little requested in return, I challenge you to this “Hero W.O.D,” — to flip the tables and commit unconditionally to help us provide an extraordinary level of support to the K9 KITT Foundation.
Thank you in advance for your time, effort and SWEAT!!
Mark-