HARRISBURG (WKBN) – Pennsylvania State Sen. David Arnold (R-48th) died Sunday following his ongoing battle with brain cancer.
Republican Sen. Dave Arnold of Lebanon County died Sunday at home with his wife and daughter by his side, his family said in a statement. Arnold was 49.
After serving 14 years as Lebanon County’s district attorney, Arnold ran for and won the state Senate seat in a special election in January 2020. During the campaign, he announced that he had undergone surgery to remove a brain tumor.
Arnold had also served on the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission and as president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
Governor Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag at all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds to be flown at half-staff immediately.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Arnold family following the passing of Senator Dave Arnold,” Governor Wolf said. “Dave was a dedicated public servant and conscientious leader who put the people of his district first, always. He fought hard every day for his constituents, even while he was fighting a terrible disease. Our commonwealth has lost a great public servant.”
Arnold served the residents of the 48th Senatorial District, which serves parts of Dauphin County and York County and all of Lebanon County.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-34) and Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-39) issued the following statement.
“We join the residents of the 48th Senatorial District and all Pennsylvanians in mourning the passing of Senator Dave Arnold. We lost a good man and committed leader much too soon.
“From the moment voters sent Dave to Harrisburg one year ago, he worked tirelessly for his constituents and the Commonwealth. This was not a surprise to anyone who knew him. It was a continuation of a record of public service marked by independence and integrity.
“In addition to securing critical funding for vital projects in his district, Senator Arnold sponsored legislation passed by the Senate to protect children by increasing penalties for those charged with possession of child pornography and establishing a task force to continuously explore ways to end this vile practice.
“He also sponsored legislation to ensure that Lebanon County did not lose out on federal pandemic funding and championed the cause of restaurants and other small business employers impacted by statewide business closures.
“Before electing him to the Senate, voters showed their trust in Dave by electing him Lebanon County District Attorney, a position he held for 14 years. His fellow district attorneys demonstrated their respect for his character and professionalism by electing him President of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
“Dave was a lifelong resident of his beloved Lebanon County, a civic leader, softball coach, husband and father. Our hearts break for his wife, Alicia, and his daughter, Reese. His community and our Commonwealth are better places because of the contributions of Dave Arnold.”
Arnold is survived by his wife Alicia and daughter Reese.
The commonwealth flag has flown at half-staff since Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in honor of the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and should continue to fly at half-staff until further notice. The United States flag has flown at half-staff since Thursday, December 31, 2020, in honor of former Governor Dick Thornburgh, and should remain at half-staff until sunset on Monday, January 18, 2021.
