NEW CASTLE, Pa. --
New Castle police are conducting an internal investigation to determine how the department's K-9 officer died.
The dog, named Chico, died suddenly Saturday. Sources said the dog was left in a police cruiser for about two hours Saturday afternoon.
Police officers are referring all questions concerning the dog's death to the chief. The chief could not be reached Sunday to discuss the situation.
Chico was a 6-year-old , brindle-colored Dutch shepherd that joined the city's K-9 unit in October 2009.
Police officials said they are planning a memorial service for Chico later this week.
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