Full Notification

Press Release
November 14, 2019
For Immediate Release
 
New Hermosa Beach Officer, Canine “Charlie”  
 
PIO:                 Sergeant Chris Alkadis
                        [email protected]
Station:           310-318-0360
Office:             310-318-0304
Cell:                 310-463-4457



            

 
Hermosa Beach Police Officer Matt Rushton and his new canine partner, Charlie, are scheduled to complete training this week and begin patrolling Hermosa Beach on Nov. 17. Officer Rushton, a four-year veteran with Hermosa Beach Police Department (HBPD), was recently selected as the department’s canine handler.
After a thorough search and testing of qualified dogs, Charlie was selected to join the HBPD team. He is a two-year-old male Springer Spaniel who was born and raised in England. He was imported to Southern California where he has been trained extensively in explosive detection.  
The HBPD sought an explosive trained canine to help it protect the public during the large community events held in Hermosa Beach and the South Bay. 
Charlie will be able to detect numerous explosive odors. In addition, Charlie has been trained in agility, obedience and searches of vehicles, buildings, open areas, buried items, luggage and packages. In addition, he’s been trained to work in various settings, including being around people and large crowds.
 
Hermosa Beach’s last canine officer was Keef, a Labrador that retired on November 28, 2017, and lives with his handler, Detective George Brunn. 
Charlie will be introduced as an official member of the HBPD at the City Council Meeting on Dec. 17.   Please join us in welcoming Charlie to Hermosa Beach!
 
Sergeant Chris Alkadis
Hermosa Beach Police Department
540 Pier Avenue
Hermosa Beach CA 90254
Patrol Division/Canine Supervisor
[email protected]
 (310) 318-0306