Beloved Kane Co. Sheriff's Police Dog Dies

KANE COUNTY, IL — The Kane County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of a beloved police dog, Arko.

K9 Arko died "peacefully" surrounded by his handler, Lt. Michael Wilgosiewicz and members of the K9 community. The German Shepherd retired on March 1 and served the Kane County Sheriff's Office and community since Sept. 30, 2016 as an Explosive Detection K9.

He was certified in obedience and handler protection and participated in countless article searches, which included evidence recovery, tracking, building searches and the apprehension of dangerous felons, according to a news release from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office.

K9 Arko, along with his handler, located and apprehended numerous violent offenders, at times directly linking suspects to crimes, which included firearms and spent shell casings. K9 Arko conducted well over 300 protective explosive detection sweeps throughout his decorated career, which included an integral role in partnering with federal and other governmental agencies statewide.

Wilgosiewicz said at least 12 different suspects had told him they'd planned to fight him, flee the scene of harm the officer in some other way if K9 Arko had not been his side.

"The simple presence of my partner by my side prevented me from being harmed. I came home to my family each night because K9 Arko was there with me. My partner would have done anything to keep me safe," he said.

In a statement from the sheriff's office, officials said K9 Arko’s dedication to Wilgosiewicz, the Kane County Sheriff’s Office and Kane County citizens "will never be forgotten."