K-9
OFFICER JOHN AYELLO MEMORIAL AWARD
………………….…K-9
OFFICER JOHN A. AYELLO
…………….……….Hamburg Police Department
…………….………Born - January 27, 1947
……………………..End Of Watch - September 8, 2000
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.
1. 2001 - Hamburg Area High School in Berks County.
2. 2002 - Antietem High School in Berks County.
3. 2003 - West Snyder Jr./Sr. High School in Snyder County.
4. 2004 - Kennard-Dale High School in York County.
5. 2005 - Scranton High School Lackawanna County.
6. 2006 - Northeast High School in Erie County.
7. 2007 - Canton High School in Bradford County.
8. 2008 - Dubois High School in Clearfield County.
9. 2009 - Sullivan County High School in Dushore, PA
The first Annual Award was
presented to Angela Bewley of the Hamburg Area High School, Berks County, PA in June
2001.
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The second Annual Award was
presented to Lari Luckenbill of the Antietam High School, Berks County, PA in June
2002.
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The third Annual Award was
presented to a Brandy Spriggle of the West Snyder Jr./Sr. High School, Snyder
County, PA in May 2003.
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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 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.
The eighth Annual Award was presented to Brittany C. Flanders of Dubois High School in Dubois, Clearfield County, PA in May 2008.
The ninth Annual Award was Presented to Mathew P. Williams of Sullivan County High School in Dushore, Sullivan County, PA in May 2009.
