Jarno, a Belgian Malinois, died at the age of 11 on Feb. 24. Jarno came to the Sheriff's Office in February, 2007.

He was originally owned and trained by Conyers resident and retired DeKalb Police Lieutenant Mac McGlamery, who died in 2007. Jarno was a dual-purpose police dog capable of handler protection, tracking and locating narcotics, article recovery and criminal apprehension. Sgt. Bob Cooley, Jarno's handler, has worked with the Sheriff's Office for 10 years and is currently assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division. Cooley was not even able to speculate on the amount of drugs and cash that Jarno seized during his time on the force.

"He has been a great asset to the department; we all saw him as more of a co-worker, or a four-legged officer, rather than just an animal," said Sheriff Jeff Wigington.

"Sgt. Cooley had to undergo a big commitment when becoming a handler, because he had to take Jarno home with him everyday and had to care for him around the clock. The position of a K-9 Deputy places the officer in the highest risk category of the policing world, yet they do it because they love
the job."

The Sheriff's Office will hold a memorial service in honor of Jarno on Friday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office Courtyard Area.