'A good man' just a year in office, Lebanon's state Sen. Dave Arnold dead at 49

Pennsylvania Sen. Dave Arnold entered the state legislature just a year ago, bringing with him an assertive energy, ready to implement an array of legislation to benefit his constituents in Lebanon, York and Dauphin counties.

The victor of a special election, Arnold, a Republican, vowed to maintain the level of professionalism he displayed during his 14-year tenure as district attorney in Lebanon County.

On Sunday, his fellow lawmakers said he accomplished that, and much more.

In November 2019, during his campaign for the seat, Arnold announced he had undergone surgery to successfully remove a brain tumor. 

But on Sunday, a news release from the Senate Republican Communications Office announced the end of his battle with brain cancer, stating Arnold had passed away, peacefully, at home with wife Alicia and daughter Reese.

He was 49 years old.

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Arnold represented all of Lebanon County and parts of York (Conewago Township, East Manchester Township, Newberry Township, Springettsbury Township, Goldsboro, Lewisberry, Manchester, Mount Wolf and York Haven) and Dauphin counties.

Elected in October 2019 from a field of eight Republicans interested in running for the seat, Arnold described himself as a "consistent conservative" who planned to bring a "fresh perspective" to Harrisburg. 

Fellow legislators in mourning

Those in the legislature who supported Arnold a year ago found themselves in mourning on Sunday. Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-34) and Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-39) issued a statement expressing their sadness for Arnold's passing, saying “We lost a good man and committed leader much too soon."

"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," Corman and Ward said in their statement.

The senate seat came open in September 2019 when state Sen. Mike Folmer was arrested on child pornography charges.  He was convicted and sentenced to one to two years in county jail and eight years on probation for possession of child pornography.

When the COVID-19 virus struck, Arnold sponsored legislation enabling Lebanon County to receive federal pandemic funding. He also supported owners of restaurants and other small business employers when restrictions on operating were imposed.

As more legislators learned of Arnold's passing, they made their condolences known through news releases.

Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) issued a statement on Arnold as well:

"Throughout his career in public service, Sen. Arnold showed a relentless commitment to justice and advancing the betterment of Pennsylvanians," they said. "His voice in the pursuit of what is right will be missed."

Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon) called Sunday a sad day for him and also the residents of Lebanon County.

"Today, we lost a dear friend and a tireless public servant whose generous contributions as Lebanon County’s district attorney and as a newly elected state senator have strengthened our county and our communities," Ryan said.

Flags at half-staff

On Sunday afternoon, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered the commonwealth flag on all state facilities, public buildings and grounds to fly at half-staff immediately.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Arnold family following the passing of Senator Dave Arnold,” 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.”

How to help

Arnold’s family has requested that contributions may be directed to the Penn State Cancer Institute in his honor. Checks can be made payable to Penn State University, and should include “Brain Cancer Institute Research” in the memo line."

Mail contributions to the Office of University Development, 1249 Cocoa Ave, Suite 115, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033-0852 or go to: https://engage.pennstatehealth.org

Ted Czech is a multi-platform crime/emergency journalist with The York Daily Record. He can be reached at tczech@ydr.com, at 717-771-2033 or on Twitter at @TedCzechYDR