January 16, 2015
An Open Letter to the Somerset Community
It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you of the condition of our K9 Arny. One of Arny’s great attributes has always been his stamina and excellent health. Even as an older K9, Arny never showed any significant signs of aging. However, early last week, Arny’s handler and partner, Officer Brian Harbart, noticed some indications that something might be amiss with Arny and immediately contacted Arny’s veterinarians at Animal Medical Center. Arny was examined and it was decided that immediate surgery was indicated. That surgery was performed and tumors were found on Arny’s spleen and the spleen was removed. Just within the last few days the biopsy report came back with the worst news possible… Arny has contracted a very aggressive form of cancer and his 
condition is terminal.
This news came as great surprise to us, not only because of Arny’s excellent health history, but also because of the excellent care he has always received from Officer Harbart and his family and the folks at Animal Medical Center. Arny’s care regimen has always included the best food (supplied at no cost by Tractor Supply), and regular physical and medical checkups at AMC. In fact, just last month a periodic blood analysis was completed and there were no indications of any abnormalities. But, the onset of this form of cancer is extremely quick and it is very aggressive.
Arny has now been officially retired and will spend his remaining days in the loving care of the Harbart family. Arny is now ten years old and we have already been preparing for his retirement. In fact, a local business has already approached us and pledged the monies necessary to acquire Arny’s replacement when the time for his retirement arrived. However, that is a matter we will deal with in the future. Soon there will also come a time to celebrate Arny’s life and contributions to this community. For the present, however, our concern is dealing with Arny’s comfort and offering the best support we can to the Harbart family.
This time is one of sadness and impending loss. Our department is experiencing the loss of one we have always considered an officer; our community is losing one who has without a doubt become the most popular and appreciated member of the Somerset Borough Police Department, one who has contributed as greatly to the department’s mission of protection and service as any other who has worn a badge; the Harbarts are losing what they consider to be a family member, who beyond his great accomplishments as a police K9 has given them comfort, security and loyalty; undoubtedly experiencing the greatest sense of loss is Officer Harbart who is not only sensing all the losses already mentioned, but is also losing his partner.
There will soon come a time to celebrate Arny’s life and contributions and to thank and recognize all those involved. For now, however, it is time to concentrate on comfort for and appreciation of a vital member of our police family.
Sincerely,
Randolph G. Cox
Chief of Police