‘He is deeply missed’: Retired Raynham police K-9 Bear dies

RAYNHAM, Mass. (WLNE) –A retired Raynham police K-9 passed away earlier this month.

K-9 Bear, who Raynham police described as not only a beloved member of the department, but also a member of Chief James Donovan’s family, died Feb. 8. He was 14.

“He truly lived a great life and his retirement was filled with one of his favorite activities — naps,” said Donovan.

K-9 Bear worked with Donovan for eight years and retired in 2017. However, he would still join the chief to the station daily until he died.

The K-9 was a German Shepherd from Hungary. He started his career in 2019 with Donovan, who was a sergeant at the time.

Donovan said K-9 Bear responded to over 130 calls and found 30 people in his first three years with Raynham police.

K-9 Bear was also credited for saving a Raynham resident’s life while responding to a mental health call.

“K-9 Bear was an instrumental member of our department and worked diligently on many searches and investigations,” said the chief.

The police dog was also a member of the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.

In 2011, when Donovan was promoted to chief, he became the only police chief in Massachusetts to have a working K-9.

“On behalf of my family and the Raynham Police Department, I truly thank everyone who has supported and cared for Bear,” said Donovan. “He is deeply missed.”