Boston Police Officer Says Heartfelt Goodbye to K9 Partner

BOSTON, MA — Raised by his Boston Police partner as a puppy and taken by a sudden illness, the BPD's first dual purpose Patrol and Explosive Detective K9 died this weekend.

Bronson passed away Sunday. He was 9 years old.

He was the first in the Boston Police Department's K9 Unit to be trained in both duties. In the past six years, 12 more dogs have been trained in patrol and explosive detection, based on Bronson's example.

Bronson passed away at home with his partner and head trainer of the K9 Unit, Officer Troy Caisey, the BPD said Thursday.

Caisey said in a statement shared by the department:

“On Sunday, January 15, 2017, I lost my K9 Partner of 8 years. Boston Police K9 Bronson passed away at home after a sudden illness. I raised him as a puppy from 12 weeks old and he was by my side until he passed away at the age of 9. Bronson was what I love to see in a Police Dog - high energy level, always ready to work, confident, good temperament and a bit of a punk. He rode along side of me for countless shifts patrolling the City of Boston and I always knew that he was ready for anything we encountered. On what would end up being our final night together, when I knew he was slipping away and he wouldn't last much longer, I spent time with him sitting in my yard with his head in my lap - just talking to him. I can't possibly explain all that he meant to me or how much he will be missed. So as you go about your busy day and your dog is staring at you for a little attention or play time - take a few minutes for them. All they want to do is please you and spend a little time with you. They won’t be here for long.”

Images courtesy Boston Police Department