SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 19, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Salt Lake City Police Department remembered a beloved member of its team this week, holding a “celebration of life and end of watch service for K9 Bruce.”
The bloodhound died at home unexpectedly from an undiagnosed medical problem on Sunday, March 17, 2024.
“Dogs today have become more closely intertwined with our human activity,” said Chief Mike Brown, according to an SLCPD PR Unit press release. “They are service animals, used for hunting, and, like K9 Bruce, they are frontline responders and play a critical role at keeping our city safe. K9 Bruce played a vital role in supporting public safety throughout Salt Lake County. His calm demeanor and friendly disposition meant he could interact with anyone compassionately and safely. As a police dog, K9 Bruce helped build community trust.”
The Salt Lake City Police Department’s K9 Squad, which is part of the Department’s Special Operations Division, led the service.
Memorial attendees included SLCPD command staff, sworn members, professional staff, and community members.
K9 Bruce successfully found 31 people over his career.
K9 Bruce’s handler will remain a part of the SLCPD’s K9 Squad. His new K9, a 10-month-old bloodhound named Bruno, is currently receiving training.
During the ceremony, several people shared stories about K9 Bruce, including how he earned the nickname “Barbecue Bruce,” his love for Spam, and how each time he’d get a capture, his handler would leave a note for his family.
