PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced Wednesday that one of its retired K-9 officers has died.

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of K-9 Bear of the RI Environmental Police," the department wrote in a Facebook post.

Bear served alongside Captain Chris Duguid for 10 years before his retirement.

"Bear retired in good standing after a distinguished career marked by courage, loyalty, and unwavering dedication — true to the finest traditions of K-9 service," the post continued. "He will be missed."

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