Plano K-9 officer dies following long illness

PLANO, Texas - A Plano Police Department K-9 officer that retired this past September has passed away because of an illness.

“It is with great sadness that we report the loss of one of our K-9’s, Dio,” the police department said on its Facebook page.

Dio joined Plano PD in 2015 and during his career was responsible for 83 arrests and four physical apprehensions. He was nationally certified in narcotics and never missed a find, the department said.

“Dio was very social and enjoyed coming to work. He was brave and never backed down. Over his time, he was credited with locating several violent offenders and physically apprehending an aggravated robbery suspect that had just robbed a local motel at knife point and fled on foot but stopped by Dio,” police said.

Police said his loss will be tough for his handler and the entire department.

Both he and his handler will be recognized at an upcoming awards ceremony.