A beloved member of the UC Davis community passed away earlier this week, leaving a K9-size hole in the heart of the campus police department and the student body.

UC Davis Police Department took to Facebook on Thursday morning to announce the passing of their beloved K9 officer Charlie, who eloquently served his community up until his death on Feb. 21 according to the post on Thursday.

“Thank you, Officer K9 Charlie, for the incredible years of service, loyalty, courage and dedication that made our communities safer,” the post reads. “Officer K9 Charlie served with unwavering commitment and became a beloved member of the UC Davis community, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. You will always hold a special place in our UC Davis Police family.”

K-9 Charlie was a black Labrador retriever who dedicated a decade of service to the UC Davis Police Department, both in explosives detection and campus outreach, according to an official release from the university. Charlie played an instrumental role in reshaping the way the police department connected with students, faculty and staff.

“Charlie really helped change connections for us,” Police Chief Joe Farrow remarked at Charlie’s retirement celebration. “He strengthened the bonds between law enforcement and our community, and brought joy to everyone who met him.”

While best known for his loving smile which could be seen at any given moment, Charlie got his start on the Yolo County Bomb Squad. There, he was tasked with securing facilities for prominent campus visitors, one of which included former President Bill Clinton.

Charlie helped to bridge the gap in the relationship between law enforcement and students, offering a warm and loving presence and making him a campus icon. He was often seen posing for photos, greeting students and brightening the days of those who stopped to pet him. He even served as an unofficial mascot for the department, with UC Davis Police tee shirts embellishing the beloved dog’s image and likeness.

Even after Charlie’s retirement from the force, he still was involved in campus life at UC Davis. Just as recently as Feb. 15, Charlie participated alongside his handler Officer Tabbasum “Tabby” Malik in the inaugural Love on the Run 5K, a campus event designed to raise money for the K-9 program. Those funds are also going to be used for a memorial for the dogs who served the UC Davis community, including Charlie.

Charlie is survived by his fellow K9 officer Cali, who was often seen with Charlie ” playing together, sharing toys and bringing smiles to everyone at the police station.”

“The two developed a deep bond, as Charlie’s calm presence balanced Cali’s youthful energy,” the statement from the university reads.

Though Charlie is no longer running around campus, greeting students and faculty, his legacy will still live on long after his death.

“Charlie’s legacy will live on in the connections he fostered and the hearts he touched,” the university announcement states. “His presence on campus was more than a symbol of security — it was a source of comfort, friendship and unity.”

In honor of Charlie, UCDPD is hosting a toy drive through March 21 to benefit the Woodland Veterinary Hospital. To donate, bring new toys to the UC Davis Police Department and drop them off in the toy drive bin. They ask for folks to NOT bring tennis balls, “squeaker” toys or plush animals.