He had a reputation for protecting fellow officers and catching crooks. And during his two years in the county Sheriff's Department, he became practically a member of his partner's family.
Arno, one of the five original dogs in the sheriff's canine unit, died last month after battling infections and illness for nearly four months. He was 3 1/2 years old.
"Arno assisted deputies in making numerous felony and misdemeanor arrests," said Lt. Richard Olson, a Sheriff's Department spokesman. "At the time of his death, he had been credited with conducting more searches than any other dog in the unit.
"He also showed a keen ability to be able to protect his handler and fellow deputies . . . . Arno also became a close family pet in his off-duty hours and will be missed by all members of the family" of his partner, Deputy Bill Sorenson, Olson said.
