O.C. Sheriff’s K9 deputy Arco, 4, dies suddenly; see a photo tribute

K9 deputy Arco died suddenly on Saturday night, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department announced on Facebook.

Trained in patrol, narcotics and suspect and evidence searches, Arco, 4 years old, served the sheriff’s department for the past three years, said Sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Braun.

He was involved in some major busts.

“He worked in all areas of Orange County and deployed with Swat, Air support and harbor patrol,” the  sheriff’s department said in its post, which includes a slideshow tribute to Arco in various scenarios.

“In his career he assisted with locating over a half a million dollars of currency, 250 pounds of marijuana, 350 pounds of methamphetamine, 70 pounds of heroin and helped to take numerous drug dealers of the street,” the post said. “Arco had over 70 suspect surrenders and 5 apprehensions.”

A Facebook post from April 2017 shows Arco sporting goggles for his helicopter hoist-rescue practice with the sheriff’s aviation support unit.

He also was a crowd pleaser, performing in numerous public demonstrations in front of thousands of spectators.

A Dutch shepherd, he was imported from Europe, Braun said. Arco was with the department as Deputy Kyle Sheek’s partner since February 2016.

“He was recently diagnosed with a congenital heart disorder and most likely died due to complications from this,” Braun said.

“Arco was more than a police dog, he was truly man’s best friend,” the post said. Thank you for your service and dedication to Orange County … You will be missed immensely by everyone.”