SPD mourns the loss of K-9 officer

The Sarasota Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own as K-9 Bronson, who served with Officer Jacob Nelson from 2014 to 2021, has died. Officers gathered outside SPD headquarters on Wednesday afternoon to bid K-9 Bronson a final farewell.

K-9 Bronson retired in November 2021. During his career, he was deployed 450 times, participating in community demonstrations and aiding in numerous cases including homicides, attempted murders, aggravated assaults, kidnappings and sexual batteries. He also worked with SWAT and the U.S. Marshals Service, and provided mutual aid with the Manatee County and Sarasota County sheriff's offices.

In 2018, K-9 Bronson won first place at the Gulf Coast Police K-9 Competition, received a Meritorious Service Award from the U.S. Marshals Service and special recognition from the Sarasota City Commission.