UPDATE: Visitation services announced for fallen K-9 Bolo

UPDATE

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BROOKLAND, AR — (BrooklandNews.com) — Jul. 19, 2026 — A necropsy has determined that Brookland Police Department K-9 officer Bolo died of natural causes, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office said, closing out an investigation into the dog’s unexpected death over the weekend.

Bolo, handled by Officer Cody Ladner, was found dead in his kennel at Ladner’s residence on July 18 at approximately 10:30 a.m., according to a media release from Brookland Police Chief Jon Moore. Because there was no obvious indication of what caused Bolo’s death, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and responded to the scene. Deputies noted no visible injuries on the dog and no other evidence at the scene suggesting foul play, but a necropsy was requested given Bolo’s position with the department.

A Greene County Sheriff’s Office investigator transported Bolo’s body to the Arkansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Little Rock on Sunday morning, and Dr. Denise Apperson completed the necropsy that afternoon. The cause of death was determined to be gastric dilatation volvulus, commonly known as bloat.

“At this time, our investigation has been closed as the death was determined to be of natural causes,” Greene County Sheriff Brad Snyder said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brookland Police Department and the citizens of Brookland during this difficult time.”

According to Moore’s release, Bolo and Ladner had been unable to complete their shift the night before after Ladner’s patrol car suffered a mechanical failure. About two hours into the shift, while driving on Highway 49, Ladner heard a loud “boom” and the vehicle began smoking as if it were on fire. Ladner coasted to the side of the road and immediately removed himself and Bolo from the vehicle. A second patrol car was called to the scene to take Bolo home, since the unit Ladner would use to finish his shift wasn’t outfitted to accommodate him.

Other than being a little excited, Bolo seemed fine at the time, Moore said. At 2 a.m., as Ladner completed his shift, he went to feed and water Bolo per normal routine, which was the last interaction Ladner had with him before he was found deceased.

Moore, in the department’s release, called the bond between Ladner and Bolo “very special” and said the pair “made an awesome team.” He described Bolo as very physically fit with never-ending energy, saying he had an intimidating presence but was a sweet-natured dog. Moore said Bolo was well cared for and adored by Ladner and his family, and that on the job, “he was all business and was always ready.” Moore added that Bolo was a great asset to the department and would be missed by everyone there.