Fresno County Sheriff K-9 Arco Dead, Deputies Say | YourCentralValley.com

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A retired Fresno County Sheriff's Office K-9 has died at the age of 10 and a half, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office announced Friday.

Arco was a Belgian Malinois born on October 14, 2013 in the Netherlands. Sheriff's officials say he came to the United States at age 3 and was selected by his handler, Deputy Andrew Bright, to be part of the sheriff's K-9 unit from Fresno.

Arco flew a patrol mission in 2016 and retired in 2022.

During his time in the unit, deputies say Arco attended numerous school events throughout Fresno County and was beloved by every student and staff he encountered. He was a very friendly dog ​​who loved working and being with his friends.

Arco assisted Fresno County Sheriff's deputies, specialty teams and other agencies.

According to the sheriff's office, Arco did a “phenomenal job” protecting his handler and his law enforcement family for years, helping to locate numerous violent criminals, only needing a few pets. companionship and praise in return. One such occasion occurred in August 2020, when he arrested a man who had robbed Fresno County field workers and pulled a knife on them.

Arco's favorite place to work was Shave Lake during the winter. Deputies say he loved the snow. When he retired, he loved playing in the garden and was the protector of his family. He died peacefully earlier this week.