QLD Police Dog Bravo remembered as brave, fierce – and a much-loved member of handler’s family

To the many offenders he chased down on the Gold Coast, he was imposing and fierce. But behind the scenes, there was a very different side to Police Dog Bravo.

Police Dog (PD) Bravo from the Gold Coast District with his handler, Senior Constable Joseph Alofipo.

To the many offenders he helped apprehend on the Gold Coast, he was imposing and fierce.

But away from the heat of the chase, retired Police Dog (PD) Bravo was a much-loved member of the family of his handler, Senior Constable Joseph Alofipo.

A family that surrounded him as he passed away on Tuesday.

“Bravo was more than just a police dog – he was a loyal partner and a member of our family,” Senior Constable Alofipo said.

“His ability to switch from a fierce, hardworking police dog to a gentle family pet was truly remarkable. We will miss him every day, but we are grateful for the years we had together, both in service and at home.”

When he wasn’t catching criminals, PD Bravo was a much-loved member of Senior Constable Joseph Alofipo’s family.

PD Bravo served with Senior Constable Joseph Alofipo from March 2015 to April 2023.

PD Bravo, who served with Senior Constable Alofipo from March 2015 to April 2023, was known for his impressive tracking skills and physical strength and was credited with a number of high profile apprehensions.

In an incident on 29 August 2021, PD Bravo and his handler tracked and apprehended an alleged offender who had fled on foot after a man was seriously injured by a samurai sword.

PD Bravo received the Commissioner’s Certificate Award for his bravery that night, and was also awarded one of the Inaugural Queensland Police Service Dog Squad Canine Service Medallions in Brisbane in July in honour of his service.

PD Bravo received the Commissioner’s Certificate Award and was also awarded one of the Inaugural Queensland Police Service Dog Squad Canine Service Medallions in Brisbane in July, an honour that recognised his outstanding service.

Senior Constable Alofipo said that even in retirement his trusted companion never lost his appetite for serving his human friends.

“Bravo still had that spark,” Senior Constable Alofipo said.

“He loved his walks and games with the kids, but you could tell he missed the work truck, the sirens, and the lights. He knew his time had come to relax, but he always kept an eye on things at home – head of security, you could say.”

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Originally published as QLD Police Dog Bravo remembered as brave, fierce – and a much-loved member of handler’s family