ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Police Department announced with heavy hearts on Thursday evening that beloved coworker and friend Sheriff Bruno has passed.

"Just yesterday, we received the heartbreaking diagnosis: an aggressive cancer had silently spread throughout Bruno’s body," the SJCPD said in a social media post. "By this morning, his condition worsened, and we were faced with the unthinkable."

The incredibly popular and loving dog was a fan favorite who had his own Facebook page. 

Just last night, on May 28, Bruno's handler made the announcement which reads as follows.

"Good evening everyone. It’s Sheriff Bruno’s handler again. I know everyone wants to hear from him, he’s resting right now after a couple of very long days.

Bruno wants to thank everyone for all of their thoughts, prayers, good wishes and support. He was overwhelmed when I showed him all the things everyone was posting. I know it brought a lot of warmth to my heart. To know that Bruno is loved by so many is wonderful. From where he started, a rescue dog that was beaten and abused to “Sheriff Bruno”, loved by an unknown number of people on or off Facebook.

I come to you with a very heavy heart tonight. I wish that I was able to give better news. The amazing doctors at Purdue had to give me the sad news that Bruno is very sick. He has been for a lot longer then the last couple weeks. He’s been diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer that has taken over his insides. Even the biggest part of my partner, his heart.

The next few days will be keeping Bruno comfortable so that he can spend some quality time with close friends and family. Feel free to share comments, stories, pictures or your own thoughts here as I will be reading them to him.

Bruno has done so much for so many. Helped some feel better if they were sad, help some forget about their own pain if even for a brief moment in time. Even though I didn’t know, Bruno knew something wasn’t right a couple weeks ago at Police Week. He still pushed through and was there to comfort and care for the Survivors in need.

I will work with him over the next few days to help him write his “final post” to everyone that has made his life so special.

A decision has been made by a very special Team. Bruno will be honored with services. Those service arrangements will be posted when the time comes.

Until then, please enjoy just a small album of Sheriff Bruno and his life. Thank you for embracing him and loving him as much as he loved everyone he met. He truly is a very special boy."

The next day, SJCPD released its statement on their friend. A full photo gallery of Bruno can be found on the SJCPD Facebook page.

Full statement from SJCPD on Bruno's passing:

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Sheriff Bruno. Surrounded by unconditional love, Bruno took his final breath in the arms of his best friend and devoted handler, Special Deputy Joe Hamer.

Just yesterday, we received the heartbreaking diagnosis: an aggressive cancer had silently spread throughout Bruno’s body. By this morning, his condition worsened, and we were faced with the unthinkable.

Sheriff Bruno dedicated his life to bringing comfort and joy to thousands of people of all ages.

Bruno joined our department in January 2019. More than just a sworn officer, he’s a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police. As our official “Comfort Dog,” Bruno has made countless appearances at schools, graduations, 4-H Fairs, parades, career days, memorial services, and more.

He’s also traveled to Washington, D.C., multiple times to honor fallen officers and even attended a presidential inauguration.
Right now, a procession is underway as fellow officers escort Bruno to the South Lawn Cemetery where he will be cremated. A service is expected to take place soon. Those details are still in the process of being finalized.

We ask that you keep Special Deputy Hamer, Bruno’s handler and “Dad,” in your thoughts and prayers, along with our entire department.
Sheriff Bruno, thank you for your years of faithful service, your endless love, and your calming presence. You will forever be part of our family."