Crime & Safety

Dog Who Helped Solve Springfield Shooting Passes Away

Lightcap always loved a game of fetch, police say

A police dog who helped solve crimes while fighting his own battle with cancer passed away earlier this month, according to a Fairfax County Police Department press release.

The dog, named Lightcap, passed away on July 14. He worked in FCPD's K-9 unit as a member of a bomb disposal team from April 2006 until February 2011.

Lightcap and his handler, Officer Brian Buckholtz, worked at the Franconia District Station. According to police, Lightcap was always eager for a game of fetch.

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During his time with the department, Lightcap located several explosive devices, according to police.

Lightcap helped solve an October 2010 shooting in Springfield by finding a spent shell casing. 

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