NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — The North Richland Hills Police Department is mourning the death of the department’s first K9 officer.
Retired North Richland Hills police department K9 officer Breta died Sept. 8. Breta joined the North Richland Hills Police Department June 13, 2012, as the department’s first K9 and retired Feb. 24, 2021.
“She was our department’s first canine, and we could not have asked for a better mascot to represent our new program,” the department said in a press release. “It is a well-known fact that canines reflect their handler and that is a key reason Breta was so wonderful. Her handler, Officer Tom Bulger, poured himself into Breta and the K9 program, and together Tom and Breta set the standard for our current teams to follow.”
During her tenure with the North Richland Hills Police Department, Breta had nearly 1,000 deployments.
“Breta was also full of love and was always ready to be playful or accept belly rubs,” the press release continued. “She was open to love from you, our community, and love her you did.”
Breta began experiencing health issues in June of 2023.
“Our Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association and members of the community came together to support her medical care, undoubtedly extending her time and quality of life,” the department said. “For this, we are incredibly grateful, but none so much as Officer Bulger and his wife, Mindy.”
Breta would have turned 14 in January.
