The Illinois State Police has announced the death of one of its police canines, who served Lake and McHenry counties and the surrounding Chicago area, following a seven-year career.
Illinois State Police Troop 3, which serves Lake, McHenry, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Grundy, Kendall, Will and Boone counties, announced “with love and a deep sadness” that Canine Bane had died.
Canine Bane, who was a loyal partner to Trooper Carrie Arvidson, died at age 8 on Tuesday following a “heroic law enforcement career.”
Bane was officially retired on July 10 after the onset of a rare neuromuscular condition.
He recently underwent a lifesaving operation at Veterinary Specialty Center in Bannockburn that was made possible through contributions from state troopers and supporters.
Bane began his career in May 2018 after graduating from Basic Canine School Class 77.
State police said Bane had been a fixture in the canine program and was responsible for 117 free-air sniffs and deployments for 13 area searches, 12 article searches and seven tracks.
The canine facilitated the seizure of 36 firearms, 352,787 grams of cocaine, 9,031 grams of crack cocaine, 1,262 grams of heroin, 187,207 grams of cannabis, 220.262 grams of methamphetamine, 95,911 grams of fentanyl, 549 grams of psylocibin mushrooms, 1,356 grams of other controlled substances, 1,368 MDMA pills, $3,325,905 cash and two stolen vehicles.
“Known for his hallmark Rex Specs, Bane conquered these feats despite a visual impairment in one eye,” state police said.
Officials say Bane’s passion consistently progressed the mission of the Division of Patrol while influencing divisions across the entire department.
“Apart from his professional dedication to ISP, Bane will always be remembered as a loving and devoted companion and friend,” the state police said.
“We ask that you please keep Trooper Arvidson in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” they added.