Retired Oak Creek Police K9 Bronco Dies

OAK CREEK, WI -- Bronco, the Oak Creek Police Department's faithful K9 officer died Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 13 years of age, police officials said.

"K9 Bronco enjoyed his time with the Oak Creek PD and loved his job, always bringing energy to those he worked with and kept his handler, PO Musa, constantly busy. He will be missed," officials wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday.

Oak Creek Police Officer "Bronco" was 11 years old when he retired during a special ceremony on March 31, 2017.

Bronco served 10 years with the police department as a "dual-purpose" K9 in that he was trained to detect narcotics and crime evidence in addition to tracking down suspects.

Oak Creek Police officer Michael Musa was Bronco's handler. "In my honest opinion, he does a lot more than other K-9's," Musa said in a Journal Sentinel report. "He has definitely earned his keep."

In Oct. 2017, Musa was awarded as the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handler of the Year. He earned his first back in 2010.

Image Via Oak Creek Police Department