K-9 officer from the Fresno County Sheriff's Office passes away

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A sad day for the Fresno County Sheriffs Office as well as the community. The department's senior K-9 officer passed away Tuesday.

The sheriff's office issued a final call saying, "Sony thank you for your loyalty, bravery, and dedication to the citizens of Fresno County."

Sony, 9, showed signs of illness Tuesday morning. He was taken to the hospital where he had an unsuspected medical condition.

Sony passed away at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday.

The Sheriffs Department said he was a valuable part of the Sheriff's Office. He specialized in searching buildings and locating missing people.

An unofficial procession will be held Wednesday at noon as he leaves the Sierra View Animal Hospital.

He will be laid to rest at the Fresno Pet Cemetery.