University of Alabama Police Department Retires Explosives Detection K-9 After Nearly a Decade of Service

Boomer, a yellow labrador retriever, completed over 30,000 operational hours, including major campus events and three visits by a U.S. president.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:38am

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The University of Alabama Police Department has retired Boomer, an explosives detection K-9 who served the department for nearly a decade. Boomer, handled by field training officer Patrick Hinkle, completed over 30,000 operational hours during his tenure, including providing security at major campus events and during three visits by a United States president. Despite battling cancer in recent years, Boomer continued to serve until his retirement on Tuesday.

Why it matters

Police K-9 units play a vital role in campus safety and security, using their specialized training to detect explosives and provide comfort to the community. Boomer's retirement after nearly a decade of exemplary service highlights the important contributions these canine officers make to keeping university campuses safe.

The details

Boomer, a yellow labrador retriever, entered service with the University of Alabama Police Department on August 1, 2016 as an explosive detection canine trained through Alabama Canine, a police dog training service. He was annually recertified in explosive detection throughout his career. Several years ago, Boomer was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery to have one of his toes amputated. Despite these health challenges, he continued to serve the department until his retirement on Tuesday.

  • Boomer entered service on August 1, 2016.
  • Boomer was diagnosed with cancer several years ago.
  • Boomer underwent surgery and had one of his toes amputated.
  • Boomer retired on Tuesday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Boomer

A yellow labrador retriever who served as an explosives detection K-9 with the University of Alabama Police Department for nearly a decade.

Patrick Hinkle

Boomer's handler, a field training officer with the University of Alabama Police Department.

Kennedy Townsel

A freshman majoring in sport management who helped make a cake for Boomer's retirement party.

Alabama Canine

A police dog training service that trained Boomer as an explosive detection canine.

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What they’re saying

“I end up seeing him more than I see my family on a lot of occasions.”

— Patrick Hinkle, Field Training Officer

“He has declared his spot on the couch. That's his, and nobody else can sit there.”

— Patrick Hinkle, Field Training Officer

“He'd been here to not only help and protect everyone, but also to be a comfort for everyone as well. I had to do something for him to send him off.”

— Kennedy Townsel, Freshman, Sport Management Major

“These dogs do a lot for everyone here. For them to be able to have a party like this, I think it's really incredible.”

— Kennedy Townsel, Freshman, Sport Management Major

What’s next

Boomer will continue to live with his handler, Patrick Hinkle, and his family in retirement.

The takeaway

The retirement of Boomer, the University of Alabama Police Department's explosives detection K-9 after nearly a decade of service, highlights the vital role these canine officers play in campus safety and security. Despite health challenges, Boomer remained dedicated to his duties, underscoring the strong bond between handlers and their K-9 partners.