CLT K9 Unit Founder Retires

The police officer who built the Airport’s K9 program has officially retired, and even though he received the rare honor of a white CLT Airport rocking chair with his name on it, he won’t be relaxing in it anytime soon.

Instead, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Sergeant Donnie Penix will continue helping law enforcement in a unique way.

Sgt. Penix was recognized in February for a 30-year career that included 15 years on the SWAT team, time on the fugitive unit, and eight years in the Airport Division, where he served as the first K9 officer and later managed the team.

“They created this position a while ago, back in 2018, and I had no idea what the Airport environment was and no clue about aviation,” said Sgt. Penix. “I know it is going to sound super cheesy, but working at the Airport will restore your faith in humanity.”

First Line of Defense

The K9 unit at the Airport works to keep the traveling public safe and serves as a first line of defense against narcotics and explosives, patrolling all CLT property, including baggage, air freight areas and local mail.

Ten K9s are currently assigned to CLT — two narcotic detection canines owned by the City of Charlotte and eight explosive detection canines funded and owned by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). CMPD officers, including three full-time detectives, serve as the handlers.

“In policing, we often get pigeonholed into the mentality that it is 'us versus them,'” admitted Sgt. Penix. “Here, people generally want to have a conversation with you, and the people who work at the Airport have been more than welcoming to me. We’ve kind of grown this thing together.”

What’s Next

Sgt. Penix says his next role is a passion project – working with the Boulder Crest Foundation to teach mental health courses for law enforcement, first responders, military and veterans.

“The Airport has afforded me the chance to be part of a community that’s allowed me to grow and develop personally and professionally,” he said. “And that’s the part I am going to miss the most – being around the people.”