Goodbye, Aron: Plainfield Bids Farewell to Four-Legged Officer

Clockwise from left: K9 units gather around the squad car carrying Aron’s handler, Officer Brian Wagner, on Thursday; a sign at the Plainfield Fire Protection District headquarters pays tribute to Aron; black bunting is draped near the entrance of the Plainfield Police Department; under the direction of Deputy Chief Jon Stratton, Plainfield firefighters hoist a flag in honor of Aron. Credit: Shannon Antinori

K9s and handlers from more than 30 area police departments gathered Thursday to pay tribute to one of Plainfield’s own.

Aron, a police dog who worked with handler Officer Brian Wagner, died Sunday of natural causes at age 10.

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Plainfield Police Chief Jon Konopek said Aron was with the police department for eight and a half years. Wagner was selected to become Aron’s trainer after starting K9 school at Landheim Law Enforcement K9 Training Center in Indiana.

Thursday morning, Plainfield police, firefighters and local officials honored Aron for his years of service with a procession from the Plainfield Police Department, 14300 Coil Plus Drive, to the Plainfield Fire Protection District Headquarters on 135th Street.

After the motorcade arrived, K9 units stood at attention as Wagner escorted the remains of his four-legged colleague and friend inside for a private memorial service.

Konopek said Wagner would speak at the event, “Just to reflect on his years of service and all the good things he did for the department and the surrounding area.”