K9 Blesk – Cranston, Rhode Island

Died 8/6/24
Handler – Officer O’Donnell

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

The department is saddened to announce the illness and imminent passing of K-9 Blesk.K-9 Blesk is a Czech Shepherd born on 10/09/2013. K-9 Officer O’Donnell selected Blesk on 7/22/2015. 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. After his certification, Blesk was sworn in as a member of the Cranston Police Department, receiving badge #528. 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 8-10 months to live. 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. He served the Cranston Police Department for 7 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. 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. He must sadly be euthanized due to his dire medical condition on 8/6/2024. 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. His service has been invaluable, and we will always remember his contributions. Godspeed K9 Blesk #528 E.O.W 8/06/2024.We invite the public to join department members for K-9 Blesk’s final call in front of Cranston Police Headquarters. 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. Your participation is a meaningful way to honor K-9 Blesk’s service and show your appreciation for his contributions to the community.

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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