Sheriff's office honors Crescent City hero with K9 name

The Del Norte County Sheriff”s Office has chosen a name for its newest K9 officer and will honor a local hero at the same time.

When the sheriff’s department received the K9, it went to Facebook and asked for suggestions on a new name. In a release issued Friday, the sheriff’s office said hundreds of suggestions were received. The one chosen – Bruno.

The name honors Capt. Bruno G. de Solleni, who was killed in September 2008 while serving as part of the Oregon National Guard in Afghanistan.

On Sept. 20, 2008, de Solenni was on duty in Kandahar, Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He sustained injuries that took his life.

He was a lifelong resident on Crescent City and graduate from high school in 1994. In addition to serving in the National Guard, he worked as commercial crabber and logger. He was in Afghanistan for nine months, and previously served tours in Egypt and Iraq.

In a previously released new story, Oregon National Guard Capt. Dominic Oto described Bruno de Solenni as smart, kind and with a steel core that made him the best officer on the team.

“He loved the Afghans, and in combat never was there a better operator or leader,” Oto said. “The man was absolutely fearless.”

Sheriff Erik Apperson said he talked to the de Solleni family before choosing the name.

“This name just feels right,” Apperson said. “K9 Bruno will serve Del Norte County public safety with focus and commitment. He will make our region a safer place and in no small way carry on the legacy that came from his namesake. I am proud to be a part of this moment.”