Died – 4/29/22
Handler – Deputy Chief Merchant
Former Garfield Heights Police Department K-9, Arlo, passes away
The Garfield Heights Police Department announced the death of former K-9 Arlo on April 29. The K-9 was trained as “dual-purpose” in patrol and narcotics Arlo served at the department for just over 9 years starting on December 14, 2012 all the way until his retirement on February 11, 2022. He worked alongside his partner, Deputy Chief Merchant, and was responsible for over 100 arrests involving tracking, building searches, narcotics detection and evidence recovery. He was active in the Garfield Heights community visiting schools, ward meetings and other public events. He gained fame after a picture of him being sworn in with his paw placed upon a Bible ended up being used on the cover of a book titled “K-9s in the Courtroom” In a statement released by the Garfield Heights PD on their Facebook page, they paid tribute to their late friend and colleague: “Arlo loved coming to work and being with his coworkers as they worked together to get the bad guys off the streets. K-9 Arlo will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace K-9 Arlo, you served your community well.”