The dog was located at Roanoke Animal Hospital after a homeowner found him apparently dead under his carport and took him there.

Veterinarians at the hospital said it appeared Dan died from blunt force trauma consistent with vehicle force, Lieutenant Bobby Martin said.

Dan, who was 8, had been with the sheriff’s office for eight years and worked with Corporal Mike Almendarez for five years. “Canine Dan had received perfect scores every time he had to be re-certified,” Casey said.

Casey said Dan was one of 10 explosives certified dogs in the state and was called every time a presidential candidate would be in the eastern part of the state. Dan was used when Bill Clinton visited Roanoke Rapids two years ago.

President Obama while on a campaign visit shook the dogs paw, Almendarez said today. “We did training with the FBI and ATF. He’s found guns in Weldon.”

Dan helped search Kenan Stadium before UNC home games and was called when Hillary Clinton was in the state.

“He was my partner,” the deputy said. “He was a good family dog.”

Because Dan was a social dog, he wouldn’t have necessarily been aggressive with someone who unlocked the kennel, Almendarez said.

While mourning, the deputy said he wanted to work with another dog. “I’d like to get back in the saddle because it’s my passion. That dog opened a lot of doors for me. I would have never got to do what I’ve done if hadn’t been for that dog. I will never be able to repay what that dog has done for me.”

On Monday Almendarez went to get Dan out of his kennel and discovered someone had let Dan out. Corporal Almendarez started looking in the area for Dan but had no luck finding him. He then started riding around the area in his patrol car trying to find him.

On Tuesday, after several phone calls, the Sheriff’s Office was told a citizen in the area of Almendarez’s home near Highway 48 and Smith Church Road in Roanoke Rapids found a deceased dog under his carport. He did not know at the time whose dog he had found. “He wanted to do the right thing and try to find out who the owner was so he transported the dog to Roanoke Animal Hospital in Roanoke Rapids,” Casey said.

Casey and Almendarez went to the hospital and identified the dog as Dan. “Dan will be missed by all at the sheriff’s office,” Casey said. “Rest In Peace.”

Casey said the sheriff’s office is treating the matter as a crime because it involves trespassing and breaking and entering.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Halifax County Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.