For ten years he was on the front lines, serving with the State Police as an explosive-sniffing dog for the Oristano Police Headquarters' canine unit.

Aaron, a splendid Labrador retriever, succumbed to an incurable disease in recent days , and today the Police say goodbye with emotion and gratitude to "a professional and special colleague."

Aaron's operational history began in February 2015: he was one year old when, along with his handler, he attended the 16th Anti-Explosive Dog Handler Course at the Nettuno Inspection Institute. The four-month training program, conducted according to the standards of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), allowed the pair to achieve operational qualifications and develop the relationship of absolute trust that forms the foundation of the dog unit's work.

Upon completion of their training, Aaron and his handler were assigned to the Oristano Police Headquarters' Canine Unit, based at the Professional Training and Education Center (CAIP) in Abbasanta, where they began intense activity, both in preventive clearance services at major demonstrations and events, and in judicial police operations. Aaron distinguished himself as one of the longest-serving explosive detection dogs in the State Police, serving for ten years. He participated in security operations at major national and international events, including Expo Milano 2015, the G7 Transport Summit in Cagliari in 2017, the G7 Labour Summit in Cagliari in 2024, and the Jubilee of the Catholic Church in 2025. His contribution to investigative activities has also been crucial: thanks to his keen sense of smell , numerous explosive materials and several illegally held weapons have been found and seized . Among the most significant interventions were the seizure of approximately 250 kilos of illegal fireworks, carried out in December 2023 with the help of the police dog Bad; the discovery of a sawed-off shotgun hidden in a drainage ditch in March 2022; and, in July 2025, the discovery of a submachine gun, a rifle, a pistol, and numerous rounds of ammunition.

In October 2025, Aaron concluded his active service due to retirement. In March 2026, he was formally discharged and, after being assigned a new explosive detection dog, Quantas, he continued to spend time with his handler, sharing playtime and socializing with his young colleague. In recent months, his health has deteriorated, and unfortunately, an incurable disease has prevented him from enjoying his well-deserved retirement for a long time.

"With Aaron's passing, the State Police loses a valuable colleague who, with dedication, poise, and extraordinary operational skills, contributed for years to preventing and combating threats related to explosives and illegal weapons," a statement reads. "Aaron's memory will live on among the colleagues who shared his service with him and, above all, in his handler, with whom he formed an operational duo united by a bond built on daily work, mutual trust, and a shared dedication to serving the community. The Oristano Police Headquarters extends a heartfelt and grateful farewell to Aaron, thanking him for his example of loyalty, generosity, and tireless commitment."

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