John Ayello Award Page

The K-9 Officer John Ayello Memorial Award was established by the Pennsylvania Police K-9 Association to honor the memory of Officer Ayello who founded this Organization. The purpose of this Award is to offer financial assistance to high school seniors who will be pursuing a career in a field related to law enforcement.

The membership of the Organization consists of Law Enforcement Officers as well as civilians. It is this joint effort that makes this Organization a continued success.

Officer Ayello was a true hero, not only did he put his life at risk on a daily basis as a Police Officer, John devoted much of his off duty time helping people. Officer Ayello was a master trainer, handler and breeder of Police K-9's. Officer Ayello also founded an organization for the youth of Hamburg and surrounding areas called "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs". Those who had the privilege of knowing John had their lives changed for the better. He gave selflessly of himself and would go out of his way to help people with problems.

John trained many police K-9's for departments along the east coast and conducted seminars for police dogs in Canada. His knowledge and kind nature will be sadly missed in the Police K-9 community. Officer Ayello passed away in the line of duty assisting another Officer in taking a violent subject into custody.

Officer Ayello is survived by his wife, three adult children, and three grandchildren. His name was placed on the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial in Washington D.C. (The Wall), and the Harrisburg Memorial, joining the other Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of the people they were sworn to protect and serve.

We the members of the Pennsylvania Police K-9 Association are dedicated to preserving the memory of Officer John Ayello, and are honored to have known him. We are proud to present this Award on his behalf to young people who have made the decision to help people and make the world a better place for all.

Each year the John Ayello award is presented to a graduating high school student chosen from 3 counties chosen at random.

The first Annual Award was presented to Angela Bewley of the Hamburg Area High School, Berks County, PA in June 2001.

The second Annual Award was presented to Lari Luckenbill of the Antietam High School, Berks County, PA in June 2002.

The third Annual Award was presented to a Brandy Spriggle of the West Snyder Jr./Sr. High School, Snyder County, PA in May 2003.

The fourth Annual Award was presented to Joshua C. Cochran of Kennard-Dale High School in Fawn Grove, York County, PA in May 2004.

The fifth Annual Award was presented to Matthew Moroski of Scranton High School in Scranton, Lackawanna County, PA in June 2005.

The email message below was received by the Pennsylvania Police K-9 Association from Matthew Moroski.

My name is Matthew Moroski and I was given the honor of being the recipient of the John Ayello Scholarship this past Saturday. Not only was the day both informative and fun, but it solidified my decision to pursue a law enforcement career. If the men and women present are any indication of the caliber of people I will be working with I have a great career and a lot of friends ahead of me.

I was not sure what I was in store for me on my way down to the kennel. I am a dog lover but I have never been to a demonstration like Saturday's or seen so many talented trainers and dogs in one place. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those involved and I hope to see you all again soon. I have a lot of pictures from that day that I am going to forward to you for your websites and to the owners of the dogs.

Again thank you for the award and for helping me along the path to my life's goals. I want you all to know that you made a difference to me and I think Mr. Ayello would be proud.

The sixth Annual Award was presented to Francine M. Gibson of North East High School in North East, Erie County, PA in June 2006.

The seventh Annual Award was presented to Ronald E. Bardo of Canton High School in Canton, Bradford County, PA in June 2007.

These articles were featured in the Canton Independent Sentinel and the Williamsport Sun Gazette.