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A former Columbia police officer and his canine partner have been reunited.

The news was announced to friends of the Canine Fano Facebook profile, which was created to support Rob Sanders and efforts to return Fano to him.

Sanders lost his job – and Fano – when he was accused of using excessive force against a man in a holding cell in September 2011.

The City of Columbia then sold Fano to the Clarence Police Department in January.

Sanders' wife commented on the Canine Fano Facebook page about the reunion.

"Ya I would say he remembered us!!" she wrote. "He jumped into Robs arms and licked him like crazy. Pawing and leaning on him. It was awesome!!"