Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Police K9 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council accepts donation of police service dog from Torrance; Max to join Redondo Beach PD
Summary
Redondo Beach City Council approved a donation and waiver agreement to accept a four‑year‑old Dutch shepherd named Max from the Torrance Police Department and add him to the Redondo Beach Police Department’s K‑9 unit.
The Redondo Beach City Council on July 22 approved a resolution accepting the donation of a police service dog from the Torrance Police Department and authorized a liability-release agreement between the two cities.
The dog, introduced to council by Redondo Beach Police Department staff, is a 4‑year‑old Dutch shepherd called Max. Chief Hoffman, Redondo Beach Police Department, said Max graduated from basic canine academy in January and had worked with Torrance for about a year before his handler retired. Officer Haley, a current Redondo Beach K‑9 handler, will transfer to Max for patrol duties while K‑9 Ace will remain with the department and transition to explosive‑detection responsibilities.
Chief Hoffman described Max as having a very high drive and work ethic, praised the role of partner agencies in mentoring the program, and said Torrance approached Redondo Beach with the offer after they could not assign a new handler. A resident, Andrew Portra, addressed the council in support and said he was pleased the dog would continue service in the South Bay. No council member opposed the measure; the motion carried on a unanimous voice vote of members voting "aye." The council adopted the donation and waiver agreement by title as Resolution CCDash2507Dash050.
The council read the resolution and then voted to accept the donation; staff said the donation includes a release and waiver of liability. The agreement formalizes the transfer and allows Redondo Beach to assume custody and operational responsibility for the K‑9.
The council approved the item as part of an excluded consent item with public comment and then voted to adopt the resolution by title only. The dog was presented in the chamber prior to the vote.
The council did not attach additional conditions to the donation. Staff noted the department maintains a sizable K‑9 program in the South Bay and that Max will fill an existing opening in the unit created by a recent promotion.
The resolution and related documents will be filed with the city clerk’s office.
