K9 Bruno

(7-2-26) The Union City Police Department says thank you to one of our own as we announce the retirement of K-9 Bruno after nine years of dedicated service to our community. His last day will be July 3, 2026, when he will get one last ride through the community her served.

Bruno began his career with the Union City Police Department in 2017 and quickly became much more than a police dog—he became a trusted partner and protector. As the faithful partner of Director of Public Safety Mark Ater, Bruno spent nearly a decade serving the citizens of Union City with loyalty, determination, and an unmatched drive to work.

If you ever passed Bruno’s patrol vehicle, there was a good chance you heard him before you saw him. His enthusiastic bark became a familiar sound around town, and yes, he occasionally received a reminder to keep the volume down. But that eagerness to work was exactly what made Bruno such an exceptional K-9.

Throughout his career, Bruno was responsible for locating illegal narcotics, leading to the arrest of numerous offenders and helping make our community a safer place. His work removed dangerous drugs from our streets and put many criminals behind bars.

While Bruno’s law enforcement accomplishments are impressive, two of his most meaningful missions involved bringing loved ones home. Bruno successfully located a special needs child who had wandered away from home and later found an elderly dementia patient who had gone missing during extreme summer heat. Those are moments that remind us what police K-9s truly represent—protecting lives.

Bruno has earned every day of his retirement. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, dedication, and faithful service that will not be forgotten.

Thank you, Bruno, for every track, every search, every long shift, every bark, and every life you helped protect.

Your watch is over. Rest easy, enjoy retirement, and know that your brothers in our K-9 Unit will take it from here.

Please join us in thanking K-9 Bruno for nine incredible years of service to the Union City Police Department and the Union City community.

Editor’s Note: Always happy to honor the courage of these brave K-9’s