SARASOTA, Fla. — A Sarasota police K-9 passed away on Wednesday less than three years after his retirement, the agency announced.
The department says it is mourning the "unexpected loss" of K-9 Bronson after hosting a final farewell for him Wednesday afternoon.
In a video capturing the ceremony, officers could be seen lined up outside the department's headquarters as multiple patrol cars drove by with their lights and sirens on.
Bronson served with officer Jacob Nelson from 2014-2021. He was deployed 450 times in his career, taking part in various cases from homicides, attempted murders, aggravated assaults, kidnappings and sexual batteries. He also worked alongside SWAT, the U.S. Marshals, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, and the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
Bronson won first place at the Gulf Coast Police K-9 Competition in 2018. He also received a Meritorious Service Award from the U.S. Marshals and a Commission Recognition from the City of Sarasota.
The K-9 officer officially retired in November 2021.
"Thank you for your service and dedication, K-9 Bronson!" the police department wrote.
