Haywood County honors K9 Bruno after 11 years of service; commissioners approve replacement funding

The board adopted a resolution recognizing K9 Bruno for 11 years of law‑enforcement service, citing narcotics detection work, community outreach and partnership with handler Lieutenant Ryan Smith. The Chair read the resolution praising Bruno’s service and the strong bond between the dog and his handler. The board also approved a $30,000 budget amendment appropriating drug‑forfeiture fund balance to pay for a replacement K9 training kennel, construction, supplies and an investigative subscription.

Lieutenant Ryan Smith and Sheriff’s Office staff stood with family members for the recognition; the board and staff presented Smith with a commemorative item in memory of Bruno’s service. Commissioners described the K9 program as an effective tool funded in part through forfeiture proceeds and thanked the handler and deputies for their work.