The Boston Police Department's K9 unit announced the sudden passing of one of their longtime police dogs. Bronson passed away at home at the age of 9 after a sudden illness, the dog's head trainer said. "Bronson in my opinion was truly a police dog," Troy wrote in a note posted to the unit's Facebook page. "He possess drive and determination do the job he was trained to do with energy and enthusiasm which was always at a high level." Bronson was the first dual purpose patrol and explosive Detection K9 in the department's K9 unit. You'd often find him doing the security and protective sweeps at many of the public events in Boston. Bronson also responded to the events at the Boston Marathon and Watertown in 2013, the department said. His trainer describes the connection he had with Bronson, and his emotional plea to other K9 officers: K9 Bronson was what I love to see in a Police Dog, high energy level, always ready to work, confident, good temperament and a bit of a punk. When he was off, he was like any other dog. Only wanted to play or have the kong tossed for him. An if I didn't pay attention to him he would drop the kong right in the middle of what I was doing just to get me to toss it. I can't possibly explain all that he meant to me or how much he will be missed. But as I knew he was slipping away and he wouldn't last much longer, I spent time with him sitting in my yard with his head in my lap out in the cold last night just talking to him. So as you go about your busy day and your dog is staring at you for a little attention or play time, Take a few minutes for them. All they want to do is please you and spend a little time with you. They wont be here for long. ​