Cranston Police Officer Gregg Bruno was promoted to the rank of Sergeant at a ceremony witnessed by family and friends at Cranston City Hall, according to the department.

“Bruno joined the Cranston Police Department on May 21, 1996,” according to a post on the department’s Facebook page. “He has earned department recognition for various high-profile investigations and arrests and was the subject of many letters received from the public complimenting his professionalism.”

Bruno has served as Team Leader/ K-9 Officer with the department's K-9 Unit since 2008 and is credited with expanding the department’s K-9 Unit to three members handling multipurpose K-9's.

The K-9’s in Bruno’s unit “can detect not only narcotics but also track suspects and missing persons, assist with apprehension, search buildings, recover evidence while maintaining strong public relations through K-9 demonstrations, visits to schools, etc.,” according to Cranston Police.

“Officer Bruno’s efforts have led to the Cranston PD K-9 Unit being recognized as one of the finest K-9 units in the state,” according to Cranston Police. “Before serving as a K-9 Officer, Officer Bruno was assigned to the Traffic Unit where he investigated motor vehicle crashes that resulted in fatalities.”

For 14 years, Bruno also “voluntarily assumed the duty of lead instructor for the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) at the Rhode Island Municipal Training Academy, according to Cranston Police.”

“In this role, he trained recruits and current police officers in high-speed evasive maneuvers and how to respond to emergency calls,” according to Cranston Police. “He also served as a Field Training Officer, ALICE instructor, and FBI Pistol Instructor, demonstrating his willingness and ability to train other police officers.”

In addition to his “primary assignments,” Bruno has also been a member of various specialized units.

“He is a member of the Cranston Police Department Auxiliary Motor Officer Unit,” according to Cranston Police. “He has also served on the department's Honor Guard, Training Committee, Awards Committee, and Peer Support Team. Officer Bruno earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from the Community College of Rhode Island and will soon receive a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University.”

“Congratulations to Sergeant Bruno on earning this well deserved promotion,” the department wrote on its Facebook page. “We wish him best of luck in his new position.”