Steubenville, Ohio is mourning their police K9 officer after his passing in November of 2020.

His EOW (end of watch) was 11-7-20.

The Fraternal Order of Police, Fort Steuben Lodge 1 announced that the beloved member of the force ‘unexpectedly’ passed away. Immediately, condolences came in from police and citizens alike.

Bono’s story

Bono joined the Steubenville Police Department in 2014. The Belgian Malinois was just 3-years old when he started on the force.

Like most police dogs, he was trained in Europe – Holland to be exact, and his handler Sgt. Rob Cook had to not only acquaint himself with the dog before his first shift began but learn his basic commands in Dutch.

During his time on the force, Bono became a local celebrity as he caught suspects trying to flee the scenes of crimes and found drugs and guns during traffic stops.

In 2017, he made news again for catching the good guy – a missing 8-year-old boy who he tracked through a field so he could be returned safely to his family.

In fact, Bono was such an asset to the force that they sought to add more dogs just like him.

“If I had my way, I would have 2 or 3 more K-9s on the force,” Steubenville city manager James Mavromatis said in 2016.

That week alone, Bono tracked down not one, but two felons!

And between 2014 and 2016, Bono was used 100 times to assist surrounding municipal, county, state, and federal agencies, according to KTOV 9 News.

They also reported that the K9 had “participated in 313 searches resulting in 173 seizures of drugs, paraphernalia, and currency.” And in the same amount of time, “the mere announcement that Steubenville’s K-9 was present [at the scene] led to 15 peaceful surrenders without incident.”

That’s some legacy!

Remembering Bono

Hundreds of people across social media and around the world have sent their condolences and thanked Bono for his service.

“We were so lucky to have Bono as part of our department and he was so lucky to have Sgt. Cook loving, training and working with him every day. Keep watch at the Rainbow Bridge Bono,” wrote the department’s communications officer.

Others were saying prayers for both the dog and his handler.

“Heaven gained another Angel Rest in peace K9 Officer Bono, Hero on four paws. My sincere condolences to Bono’s handler and all who knew and loved his. Goodbye Bono.”

“So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Bono and thank you for protecting our community.”

“Rest in Peace K9 Officer Bono! Sincere condolences to your partner Officer Rob Cook, family, fellow Officers!! Thank you for your service!! Always a Hero!! Never Forgotten!!”

A service for the K9 will take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at 11:00 am at Historic Fort Steuben. It will be hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police.

There’s no specific information on the K9s cause of death, only information that he died overnight and “unexpectedly.”

You can scroll down below for the local announcement of Bono’s passing.

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Source: Local 12 News, YouTube – WTRF 7News, Weirton Daily Times, WTOV 9