Rom, a K-9 who helped track down Danilo Cavalcante after the convicted murderer escaped from prison, was recognized at the recent National Dog Show held in Oaks, writes Anna Orso for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Rom didn’t compete in this year’s National Dog Show. He was there to receive much-deserved accolades for his dedication to his job as a tracking dog with the Pennsylvania State Trooper K-9 unit.

The 3-year-old Belgian Malinois shepherd nicknamed “Rom the Bomb” helped capture Danilo Cavalcante, the convicted murderer who escaped from a Chester County prison on August 31.

The manhunt lasted two weeks during which Rom never lost stamina during the pursuit.

During a special ceremony at the National Dog Show, Rom appeared with his handler, Trooper Daniel Reed who was also recognized.

Rom and Reed have worked together for two years and were the first K-9 unit officers to arrive on the scene after Cavalcante escaped.

Reed and Rom worked 12 to 15 hours a day in the heat during the two-week manhunt.

“When I do bomb threats or any kind of searches, I am fully confident in this dog. He is just an absolute rock star,” Reed said.

“He will keep searching until the job is done. He motivates me.”

Read more about Rom and Reed’s partnership and this year’s National Dog Show in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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