By 
November 20, 2025
After six years of loyal service, K-9 Boomer with the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) is officially clocking out.
The retirement plan: well-earned retirement filled with couch privileges and unlimited belly rubs.
Boomer, an American standard black labrador retriever, joined HPD in February 2019 as a single-purpose scent detection dog. His talent was obvious from day one, and after three months on the job, he earned certification as an explosives detection canine through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 22.
And he didn’t just meet the bar – he soared over it!
In 2024, Boomer was named Top Dog Explosives Detection Canine for Region 22, highlighting his reliability and sharp instincts.
Throughout his career, Boomer completed over 300 explosives sweeps, assisting with major events at the Von Braun Center, Orion Amphitheater, parades, emergency callouts and high-level VIP protection details. His work regularly paired him with agencies like the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, Department of Homeland Security as well as state and local partners.
He also became a familiar face at Bryant-Denny Stadium, helping the University of Alabama Police Department conduct pre-game safety sweeps since 2021. Yes, Boomer had Crimson Tide season tickets before some of us on the waiting list did.
While his resume is impressive, it was Boomer’s personality that made him a fan favorite. He was one of only two HPD explosives detection canines allowed to be petted by the public, and he took that perk very seriously. At more than 50 HPD K-9 demonstrations, Boomer proudly served as the finale – the dog everyone got to meet, greet and spoil with affection.
Kids adored him. Adults adored him. Honestly, even the “I’m not a dog person” crowd didn’t stand a chance.
Now, Boomer begins his next chapter, living with the Matthews family. His handler, Sgt. Kevin Matthews, has been with him from his first day of training to his final day on duty.
Boomer’s new mission? Easy: long naps, outdoor adventures and enjoying the kind of pampering only a retired hero deserves.
FUN FACTS ABOUT BOOMER:
Coming straight from Sgt. Matthews because no one knows Boomer better.
- What’s Boomer’s go-to toy – the one he’ll drop everything for?
A large Kong Ball with a rope.
- What treat makes him sit straighter than any other training command ever could?
Honestly, it’s not a treat at all – he’s motivated by affection. Boomer wants you to pet him, so he is always willing to sit up right next to you to get some good loving.
- Is he a polite couch guest, or does he sprawl like he pays the mortgage?
Boomer’s way too big for the couch! He loves laying in his extra-large comfy dog bed that can accommodate all our dogs and cats. If it’s warm, straight on the cool rug on the floor – he’s a very big boy.
- Does he snore like a grown man, or is he a quiet sleeper?
Boomer has a slight snore when he has been active that day, nothing that keeps us up at night.
- Does he prefer car rides, backyard adventures or supervising from the couch?
He loves all three! Boomer just wants to be around humans and be a part of the fun. He has gone to work every day in the kennel in the back half of the truck cab, pawing at the kennel window when he wants pets. He also enjoys walks and is easy to manage on the leash.
- What’s his funniest habit that never fails to make your family laugh?
Boomer will immediately monopolize any dog toy throughout the backyard or house, but he’s so gentle with our little two-year-old female dog, “Shade.” She’ll playfully bite at his long legs to get him to roll on the ground with her, and he’ll happily play tug-of-war with her with any toy in his mouth. He’s social and has already become fast friends with his replacement, “Dutch,” who’s in training.
Happy retirement, Boomer. You’ve earned every treat coming your way.
