Holly MatkinBloomington, MN – Bloomington Police Department (BPD) K9 Brody died on April 1 after a veterinarian determined a tumor on his spleen had burst.
“It was a tumor that they did not know about on his spleen that had burst,” BPD Commander Joe Sparks told WCCO. “He kind of became lethargic over a day or so anyone who knew Brody knew that was not his personality so Officer [Jeremy] Pilcher took him to the emergency vet and diagnosed him.”
Due to the severity of his medical condition, K9 Brody’s handler made the difficult decision to have his partner humanely euthanized, Commander Sparks said.
“Our hearts are heavy due to the unexpected passing of K9 Brody,” the BPD tweeted on April 4. “Last week Brody was showing signs of a medical issue and Officer Pilcher, his handler, had to make the tough decision to end his suffering. Brody was integral to the BPD and will be greatly missed.”
K9 Brody came to the U.S. from Slovakia in 2014, Commander Sparks told WCCO.
He completed his training at the St. Paul Police Department.
The commander described him as a “very energetic” and “hard-working” K9.
The beloved K9 was a favorite when it came to engaging with the community or bringing smiles to the faces of his fellow officers, according to Commander Sparks.
The BPD has been supporting Officer Pilcher in the wake of K9 Brody’s death, WCCO reported.
“The bond is incredible so that first shift back when you have to empty back seat and it’s quiet, no more barking no more crying, no more whining, it’s…[a] very difficult time and sobering time,” Commander Sparks said.
Officer Pilcher continues to serve his community, even without his partner by his side.
“It kind of just shows the inner strength of our officers,” the commander told WCCO.
Our hearts are heavy due to the unexpected passing of K9 Brody. Last week Brody was showing signs of a medical issue and Officer Pilcher, his handler, had to make the tough decision to end his suffering. Brody was integral to the BPD and will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/InG7yo9CX2
— Bloomington Police (@BPD_MN) April 5, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bloomington Police Department and Officer Pilcher in the loss of K9 Brody.
