Holly MatkinClinton, TN – Clinton Police Department (CPD) K9 Bronco recently passed away after nearly a decade of service, his department announced on Monday.
The beloved K9’s exact cause of death was not immediately released.
K9 Bronco joined the CPD in 2013 and spent nearly 10 years serving alongside his human partner, CPD Sergeant Matt Howell, the department said in a Facebook post on Nov. 14.
The dual-certified tracking and drug-detection police dog apprehended numerous criminals, sniffed out “countless” items of evidence, and participated in a slew of search warrants during his storied career, the CPD said.
The four-legged hero had logged more than 3,500 hours of deployments and training since he joined the department.
K9 Bronco’s death has left his department in mourning.
“Without a doubt Bronco’s work made the City of Clinton a safer place. CPD is forever indebted to him,” the police department said. “Rest easy, Bronco. We’ll take it from here.”
Dozens of people offered their condolences to the police department and Sgt. Howell in response to the agency’s Facebook post.
“Such a blessing to our community. A true force multiplier for both apprehension and detection,” one person wrote. “Our officers are amazing, but when they have assets like Bronco, it’s truly astounding what they can do in the name of public safety and crime prevention. A sad day for us all to be without this handsome boy. My heart goes out to Officer Howell for this tremendous loss.”
“Thank you for your service, Bronco. I am certain Sgt Howell has a hole in his heart from all you did together. You will be missed,” another message read.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clinton Police Department and Sgt. Howell in the loss of K9 Bronco.
