AFTER nearly a decade of dedicated service in search and rescue (SAR) operations, 'Lexi', a rescue dog with the K9 Unit of the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) passed away just a day after completing its final mission.
Lexi, a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever, was found dead in its kennel at 6:15 am last Friday.
Just a day before passing, Lexi was still performing its duties, participating in a search operation for a missing person in Kampung Pulutan Membawang, Menggatal, on November 5.
That operation marked Lexi's final service; Lexi had been a dedicated member of the fire department team since being brought over from the United Kingdom in 2017.
Calvin Joe Jeafery, head of the K9 (Detection Unit) branch of the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), said Lexi participated in the search and rescue (SAR) operation alongside her handler, Arthur Anderson Walter.
After the operation concluded and they returned to the station, Lexi underwent its usual care routine, which included being bathed and fed.
"Lexi finished its food and showed no behavioural changes after returning from the operation.
"However, during a routine check of the kennels the following morning, the duty officer discovered that Lexi did not respond when called.
"Further examination revealed that Lexi had passed away," he said.
Calvin noted that, according to health records, Lexi had a history of stage two heart disease, as well as a growth on her gum.
He added that the rescue dog was under veterinary supervision and was receiving treatment, including antibiotics, medication for gastric issues, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
"Nevertheless, the exact cause of Lexi's death has yet to be determined, pending the post-mortem report from the Sabah Department of Veterinary Services," he said.
Throughout its service, Lexi was trained in 'Wilderness SAR'—a discipline focused on locating missing persons in forested areas and challenging environments.
Lexi’s passing marks the end of nearly nine years of service with the Sabah JBPM K9 Unit, with the operation in Menggatal serving as the final entry in its career.
Although it can no longer join the rescue team on operations, Lexi’s contributions as a rescue dog will remain a part of the history of the Sabah JBPM K9 Unit. – November 9, 2026
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