'Rest Easy, Pup': Beloved ISP K9 Bane Dies, New Fund Honors Him & Will Support Others

ILLINOIS — A beloved Illinois State Police K9 officer has died while recovering from a surgery to remove a life-threatening mass from his chest.

K9 Bane—who Patch readers rallied around to help raise the funds needed for the procedure—died Aug. 5. He was 8 years old.

The Got Your 6 Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit run by an Illinois State Police trooper in support of officers and families within the agency, shared news of Bane's death on social media.

"While we carry heavy hearts, those hearts are also full of our love of LIFE and what we were able to do for K9 Bane and his handler Trooper Carrie Arvidson," wrote Rob Pagliaro, founder of the Got Your 6 Foundation and organizer of the GoFundMe for Bane's surgery.

"As I told Carrie yesterday—I’d do it all over again. LIFE is important and we fight for those we love."

It's a heartbreaking turn of events for the accomplished and fierce K9 cop, who in his seven-year career was credited with the seizure of over $71 million dollars worth of narcotics and illicit contraband, including 62 kilograms of cocaine, 210 kg of methamphetamine, 100 kg of fentanyl/heroin and 41 firearms.

"He played a crucial role in the apprehension of numerous drug traffickers, human traffickers, violent fugitives, and child predators," his handler Arvidson told Patch previously. "... The honor of a lifetime to handle such an incredible dog.

"Having a dog with such an incredible skillset, he’s done a lot to keep the people of Illinois very safe."

In early July, Bane suffered a sudden collapse and was rushed to his primary veterinarian. He was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular condition caused by a softball-sized mass in his chest on his thymus gland. The surgery to remove it was estimated to cost $15,000. In just four days, the GoFundMe swelled well past that amount, to $20,000.

Bane successfully underwent the surgery on July 17. Arvidson thanked those who helped make it happen via a letter shared on social media.

"When I saw the mass in Bane's chest on the X-ray, my world came to a screeching halt," she wrote. "It was as if the light and color had been drained from the world around me. It became one of the darkest moments of my life. However, every one of you changed that, and you all brought the life back into my life. I am at a loss on how to properly express my gratitude to each one of you who so selflessly came to Bane's aid.

"I can only offer my sincerest thanks and the depth of my gratitude for each one of you is immeasurable.

"Having Bane as my partner has been the absolute honor of my lifetime, I do not know what I did to deserve such an incredible K9, and best friend. I am forever in his debt for his years of selfless partnership, and the joy he has brought into my life."

With funds raised exceeding what was needed, the foundation created a K9-specific relief fund, now named GY6: Paws 4 Bane K9 Relief Fund, in his memory. With additional donations made directly to the veterinary center that cared for Bane, the total for his care was brought to $8,444, leaving $11,253 remaining in the fund.

"We have a team of K9 handlers to help determine needs of this sub-fund," Pagliaro shared.

The foundation has created themed items for purchase in memory of Bane. Proceeds will benefit the subfund named in Bane's honor.

"It will forever honor Bane, his service and always remind us to Paws (pause) and think of him. I know through all the sadness, Carrie, is extremely appreciative of our efforts and will continue, in strength, in Bane’s name.

"Rest easy pup, it was my honor."