COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- "He was Fargo and he was one of us," says Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott.

For five years, he was part of the Richland County Sheriff's Department's K-9 unit. He joined them in 2006 at just nine months old.

"You can imagine how some of those training days went, short and very entertaining," says Deputy Walmsley of the K-9 Unit.

From that day forward, there was never a dull moment.

"Fargo would flip that water bowl so many times as well as do his famous back talking," says Sheriff Lott.

When it comes to Fargo and his partner, Master Deputy Warren Cavanagh, the memories speak for themselves.

"Fargo was a lot like his partner, they could be as serious as anyone, then also be like two juvenile delinquents," says Sheriff Lott.

"Fargo couldn't get Warren dressed fast enough to go to work," says Deputy Walmsley

"It was a bond that would cause pain when they weren't together, that's what true love is and they had it," says Sheriff Lott

Together the two put some of Richland County's toughest criminals behind bars.

"Fargo was a warrior and he left us being that warrior," says Sheriff Lott

"Bottom line, Fargo loved to go to work," says Deputy Walmsley

But on Thursday, those who loved him the most had to say goodbye, including his fellow K-9 pack.

Not even the rain could keep them away.

"If you feel a rain drop fall on your head, don't fret, that's the tears of angels that are sharing with us today," says Sheriff Lott.

Fargo was killed last Friday in the line of duty while trying to catch a robbery suspect. He leaves behind a life of joy, a work family and home family that included his parents and a sister, 8 year old Jordan.

"For as tough as Fargo was, he was also that gentle giant who would let Jordan love on him as much as she wanted," says Sheriff Lott.

"His friends and family ran to him and the bad guys ran from him," says Deputy Walmsley

Those who knew Fargo say he stood by Master Deputy Cavanagh and protected him, everyday. They also say he lived life everyday doing what he loved.

"He was a Richland County K-9 deputy, he earned that title and he maintained it everyday of his life,"says Sheriff Lott.

And everyday he knew he was appreciated and loved with just one daily whisper from Master Deputy Cavanagh.

"That's Daddy's boy," says Sheriff Lott.