First pit bull K9 cop in country honored at memorial

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Officer Bruzgul (with plaque) and members of the K9 training group at the Kiah memorial.

POUGHKEEPSIE – Kiah, a pit bull that had been rescued after severe physical abuse and ended up becoming the first pit bull police K9 in the country, passed away in February after a brief illness.  Police K9s and handlers from several police agencies recently gathered in Poughkeepsie for a memorial service for Kiah, who served alongside City of Poughkeepsie Police Officer Justin Bruzgul from July 2015 until her death on February 13, 2023.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 333 President Michael Hendryk and fellow member Louie Juncosa planned the ceremony where Bruzgul was presented with a plaque honoring his late partner and a memorial brick was placed at the fallen officer memorial at the Dutchess County Law Enforcement Center.
Officer Bruzgul said that Kiah, trained in narcotics detection and missing person detection, developed a cough in early February and was acting “out of sorts.”  Kiah was treated by her veterinarian who administered antibiotics for pneumonia.  The condition did not improve and the doctor noticed modules on the dog’s lungs after reviewing x-rays. Scheduled for an appointment with a specialist on February 14th, Kiah’s condition declined and she passed away from lung cancer the day before.
Bruzgul’s love for his K9 partner was well-known and he smiled whenever he talked about her.  “She was my partner from 2015 until now and faithfully served her community, always excited to jump in the police car and get to work,” he said. “Kiah loved the water and was amazing at agility tasks where she showed her incredible balance.”  Fighting emotions, Bruzgul told Mid-Hudson News “She was a kind and gentle soul, taken too quickly from us.”
Following the ceremony, Bruzgul recognized the McHoul Funeral Home and 911 Uniforms for the tremendous support they provided when Kiah passed.
City of Poughkeepsie Police Captain Rich Wilson attended the ceremony along with Chief Tom Pape and other members of the department’s administration.  “The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department recognizes the service and sacrifice that K9 Kiah and handler Justin Bruzgul have provided and made for the benefit of the residents of this city,” Wilson said.



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