Retired Cranston Police K-9 Dies After Cancer Battle

CRANSTON, RI — Lex, a former K-9 with Cranston police, died Thursday after succumbing to a battle with cancer.

Lex and his partner, Officer Bagshaw, worked together on the police force from July 2015 until the K-9's retirement in April 2021. Police said Lex was diagnosed with cancer a year and a half ago, with the veterinarian giving him just six months to live.

"Lex far exceeded this grim projection and was able to work several more months and enjoy valuable time in retirement with the entire Bagshaw family, to include Officer Bagshaw’s son and daughter who cherished him as a family pet that they had known since a very young age," Cranston police said in a statement. "During his retirement, he enjoyed random trips to Dunkin' Donuts in Coventry on the weekends to enjoy a donut given to him by the admiring employees."

During Lex's time on the force, he helped seize large quantities of drugs and guns and apprehended dangerous criminals. Lex also was responsible for tracking missing people and visiting schools and public functions.