CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — An honor guard was in place when K-9 Zeus was taken to Cranston Police headquarters for his final call on Monday.

The nine-year-old K-9 was actively serving in the department with his handler, Sgt. Gregg Bruno, when he suddenly died of an unexpected illness on Saturday.

“This loss is not only affecting Sergeant Bruno, but his entire family,” said Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist.

“It’s a difficult day, but there’s a lot of great memories of Zeus,” Winquist continued. “A lot of the public demonstrations, visits to area schools, and then, of course, all of the work he did in the field to protect Sergeant Bruno.”

The public was invited to come out and show support as a procession for Zeus made its way through the city.

The procession started at Greenwich Valley Veterinary Clinic, then proceeded to Cranston Police headquarters for the final call before ending at the Final Gift Pet Memorial Center.

Bruno’s family was joined by members of the Cranston police, as well as members of other police departments and state troopers, for the procession.

Winquist told 12 News Zeus was close to retirement age.

“I wish he had an opportunity to enjoy himself,” he said. “But to be honest with you, what these dogs thrive on is to go to work every day.”

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