Remembering Arlo: Lubbock Mourns the Loss of a True Hero

It’s a sad week in Lubbock County as the Sheriff’s Office has announced the passing of one of its most loyal and hardworking members — K9 Arlo.

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K9 Arlo wasn’t just a police dog. He was a trusted partner, a protector, and a vital part of the community’s safety team. Since 2021, this Belgian Malinois has served the citizens of Lubbock County with courage, discipline, and heart.

A Dedicated Partner in Service

Born in 2018, Arlo was trained and certified as a dual-purpose K9 — skilled both in apprehending offenders and detecting narcotics. After joining the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, he was assigned to the Texas Anti-Gang Center alongside his handler, where he took part in numerous narcotics operations throughout the region.

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Every day, K9 Arlo worked to make Lubbock County a safer place to live. His dedication earned him respect not just from fellow officers, but from everyone who witnessed his commitment to the job.

At seven years old, K9 Arlo was the oldest active-duty working dog in the Sheriff’s Office and was nearing a well-earned retirement.

A Sudden Loss

On October 28th, 2025, while participating in a routine training exercise with his handler, K9 Arlo suffered a sudden medical emergency. Despite being rushed to an emergency veterinarian, he sadly passed away.

At the request of his handler, a private honor walk was held two days later by the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit. Arlo was then transferred to a specialist for examination to determine the exact cause of his passing. Once the examination is complete, he will be cremated and returned to his handler.

Honoring a Hero

Details for K9 Arlo’s final resting ceremony have not yet been announced. The Sheriff’s Office plans to share that information as it becomes available.

In the meantime, the community is invited to send condolence cards to:

Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office
712 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79401

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The outpouring of support from residents across the South Plains has been a testament to how much K9 Arlo meant to this community. He may have walked on four paws, but he served with the heart of a hero.

Rest easy, K9 Arlo. You’ll be deeply missed — and never forgotten.