Cranston Police K-9 Blesk To Be Euthanized Due To Illness

CRANSTON, RI — Cranston police K-9 Blesk has fallen ill and will need to be euthanized Tuesday, the department said in a Facebook post Monday.

Blesk, 10, is a Czech Shepherd and has been with Cranston police since 2015. Police said Blesk was a dual-purpose police K-9, certified in narcotics and patrol.

In September 2017, Blesk was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. He was given a grim diagnosis of eight-to-10 months to live.

"Blesk continued to work due to his incredible drive and passion," a Cranston police spokesperson said. "Doing so exceeded all the doctors' and textbook predictions of his eight-to-10-month life expectancy."

Blesk served the Cranston Police Department for seven years, retiring in March 2022.

Blesk was involved in several narcotic seizures and successfully tracked several missing people both in Cranston and in neighboring communities. He was also involved in several U.S. Postal Service drug seizures, police said.

"Blesk was loved and admired by the entire police department and community," a Cranston police spokesperson said. "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 K-9 Officer O’Donnell."

Cranston police have invited the public for Blesk's final call in front of police headquarters Tuesday.

"Your presence and support along the procession route would be a fitting tribute to his service and comfort to his handler, K-9 Officer O'Donnell," Cranston police said. "Your participation is a meaningful way to honor K-9 Blesk's service and show your appreciation for his contributions to the community."

See details about the procession below:

Starting Location

The starting location will be Greenwich Valley Veterinarian, located at 725 Quaker Lane in West Warwick. The procession will leave from 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. and proceed to Cranston Police Headquarters via the route below. The procession will then continue to the Final Gift Pet Memorial Center, located at 2 Daniels Way in Cranston.

Route

Exiting Greenwich Valley, go South on Route 2, left on Division Street to Route 4 north, to Interstate 95 north. Follow 95 North to the Route 10 north exit. Exit onto Niantic Avenue Turn left onto Cranston Street, then left onto Garfield Avenue

Arrival

Arrival time at headquarters will be 1:45 p.m., and all uniform personnel and civilians will line the curb in front of headquarters. Upon the procession's arrival, the dispatcher will give K-9 Blesk’s final call.

Departure

Leaving headquarters at 2:00 p.m., proceed to Garfield Avenue to Carolina. Left on Cranston Street, right onto Phenix Avenue, right onto Scituate Avenue, right onto Comstock Parkway, left onto Western Industrial, left onto Daniels Way.

End Location

Arrive at Final Gift Pet Memorial Center around 2:15 p.m.

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