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Died 3/17/24
SLCPD honors K9 after unexpected passing at 3 years old
The Salt Lake City Police Department is mourning one of its police bloodhounds, K9 Bruce, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 17, 2024.In a statement, police officials said that a necropsy report found that K9 Bruce, who was just a little over 3 years old, died from a medical condition that was previously unknown to his handler, family and the SLCPD. “This is devastating to K9 Bruce’s partner, his family, the K9 squad, and our entire department,” said Chief Mike Brown. “Our police canines are members of our police family and our community. K9 Bruce represented the epitome of what we expect in a police canine. His temperament was always courageous when on the job yet gentle enough to be loved by everyone he met, including children.”Police said that K9 Bruce was born in Iowa in November 2020, and later joined the SLCPD when he was eight weeks old. He was then immediately assigned to his handler.K9 Bruce passed his training and certification — achieving his first and second capture with his handler on July 1, 2021 while assisting the Taylorsville Police Department.SLCPD said that following his first capture, K9 Bruce and his handler were deployed for countless calls for service, including searching for violent offenders, fugitives and missing persons. They also helped other jurisdictions when help was needed.K9 Bruce successfully found 31 people throughout his service and lifetime.“K9 Bruce achieved so much, and we are in debt to his service and legacy,” Chief Brown added. “I will remember K9 Bruce for his personality, persistence, and the way he protected our city.”Police said that K9 Bruce lived with his handler and became a beloved member of the family. SLCPD remarked that they are remembering him as a happy, hardworking canine.“Everyone loved his playful personality and fell in love with his extra folds of soft skin,” said Chief Brown.
