Cranston Police made a sad announcement on Aug. 5 —“the illness and imminent passing” of K-9 Blesk.

“As a department, we mourn the loss of K-9 Blesk, who valiantly served this city for many years,” said Cranston Police Chief Col. Michael J. Winquist. “Our K-9 teams play an integral role in maintaining public safety in Cranston. As a police department, we are fully committed to utilizing the unique skills of our four-legged department members and their highly dedicated and well-trained handlers. They perform a vast array of tasks, not limited to narcotics detection, article searches, tracking, and apprehension of persons engaged in criminal activity.”

K-9 Blesk, a Czech Shepherd, was born on Oct. 9, 2013. Cranston K-9 Officer Shane O’Donnell selected Blesk on July 22, 2015.

“Shortly thereafter, he attended a K-9 police academy at the RI Department of Corrections and was certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association in December 2015,” according to Cranston Police. “After his certification, Blesk was sworn in as a member of the Cranston Police Department, receiving badge #528.”

K-9 Blesk served as a dual-purpose police K-9, certified in both narcotics and patrol.

“In September 2017, Blesk was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy,” according to Cranston Police.

The faithful animal was “given a grim diagnosis of 8-10 months to live,” according to a CPD post on social media. “Blesk continued to work due to his incredible drive and passion. Doing so exceeded all the doctors’ and textbook predictions of his 8-10-month life expectancy.”

In total, K-9 Blesk served the Cranston Police Department for seven years, retiring in March 2022.

“Blesk was involved in several narcotic seizures and article recovery and successfully tracked several missing people both in the city of Cranston as well as in other neighboring communities,” according to Cranston Police. “He was also involved in several USPS narcotic currency seizures. Blesk was loved and admired by the entire police department and community. Blesk had a physical presence that was intimidating and imposing, yet he was approachable and gentle. Blesk’s determination and drive turned into a willingness to complete any task that was asked of him by K9 Officer O’Donnell.”

According to Cranston Police, K-9 Blesk was to be “sadly … euthanized due to his dire medical condition” on Aug. 6.

“We are deeply grateful for K-9 Blesk’s many years of faithful and dedicated service to the citizens of Cranston and the Cranston Police Department, as well as the loyal protection of his handler, K-9 Officer O’Donnell,” Cranston Police posted online. “His service has been invaluable, and we will always remember his contributions.”

Cranston Police invited the public to a Last Call final salute and motorcade on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

“We will not forget the contributions of our police K-9s, whose sole purpose is to earn our admiration and respect while providing unwavering protection,” Chief Winquist said. “Our thoughts remain with K-9 Officer O’Donnell and Sergeant Bruno, who recently lost their partners and friends who crossed the rainbow bridge.”