Police erect memorial for dog killed in Aroostook standoff

Fallen K-9 Preacher remembered with heartfelt tribute

A new bench memorial at the Maine State Police barracks in Gray honors K-9 Preacher, who was killed during a standoff in February.

Police erect memorial for dog killed in Aroostook standoff

The Maine State Police has erected a memorial outside its Gray barracks to commemorate K9 Preacher, who was fatally shot in February. Steven Righini, 29, fatally shot the dog and fired at officers during an hourslong standoff in Portage Lake before he was killed by police on Feb. 3. The memorial bench was donated by the Trooper Black Foundation. It is inset with photos of the police dog, and is inscribed with text that reads “the bravest are sur…