Park City Police Department welcomes its first K-9 Officer, Bruno

Bruno, Park City Police Department’s first-ever K-9 officer, poses proudly in front of the American flag. The 19-month-old chocolate Labrador is trained in explosives detection and will also provide comfort to children in crisis as part of his new role alongside Officer Wayne Henderson. Photo: Photo: Tanzi Propst 2025

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Police Department has officially welcomed its first K-9 officer, a 19-month-old chocolate Labrador named Bruno, marking a new chapter in the department’s efforts to enhance community safety and connection.

Trained in bomb and explosives detection, Bruno will also serve a dual role as a comfort companion for children in crisis. He and his handler, Officer Wayne Henderson, are continuing their training at the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) facility. Bruno is expected to be fully operational by mid-December.

“We’re proud to introduce our first ever police K-9,” the department shared in an announcement. “Bruno has a nose for safety, and we look forward to the paw-sitive impact the K-9 team will have on our community.”

The name “Bruno” was selected through a community-wide naming contest involving city employees, McPolin Elementary School, and Park City High School’s law enforcement class. The winning submission came from Mrs. Borjigin’s fifth-grade class and the Community Education Center at McPolin Elementary.

The department thanked the students and residents who participated in naming Park City’s newest team member. Community members can look forward to updates as Bruno begins his duties, from patrols to public events — and, as the department noted, “plenty of belly rubs.”