The Queensland Police Service is deeply saddened to announce the passing of retired Police Dog (PD) Bravo from the Gold Coast District.
PD Bravo passed away on October 8, surrounded by his handler, Senior Constable Joseph Alofipo, and his family, who loved and cared for him throughout his life and service.
PD Bravo served with Senior Constable Alofipo from March 2015 to April 2023, during which time the pair became a formidable team, responsible for numerous apprehensions. While he was a force to be reckoned with in the field, PD Bravo enjoyed a peaceful and much-loved retirement at home.
Senior Constable Alofipo reflected on his time with Bravo.
“Bravo was more than just a police dog – he was a loyal partner and a member of our family.
“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.”
In one notable incident on August 29, 2021, PD Bravo and his handler responded to a violent domestic incident where a man was seriously injured by a samurai sword. The alleged offender had fled on foot and PD Bravo successfully tracked and apprehended him, ensuring the safety of all those involved including the community and other officers.
For his bravery that night, PD Bravo received the Commissioner’s Certificate Award.
PD Bravo 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.
Although retired in March 2023, PD Bravo never fully left the work behind. He continued to accompany Senior Constable Alofipo on walks and family outings, always excited to see his former partner and his new operational dog, PD Atlas, heading out for duty.
“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.”
Thank you for your service, PD Bravo. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
With honour he served.
A life of service
PD Bravo, born in April 2014, was raised by a renowned QPS German Shepherd breeder. Along with his two brothers, he successfully graduated from the QPS puppy development program and recruit police dog course.
At 18 months, PD Bravo began his journey with Senior Constable Alofipo, undergoing a 12-week dog course at the Oxley Academy, after which he joined the Gold Coast Dog Squad as an operational General Purpose police dog.
Known for his impressive tracking skills and physical strength, PD Bravo quickly became a key asset in apprehending high-profile offenders. His all-black coat only added to his imposing presence, particularly during night time operations.
PD Bravo will be remembered as a loyal and courageous officer who protected the community with unwavering dedication. His service may be over, but his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the many people who had the privilege of working alongside him.
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