Scottie - Hawthorne PD
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Hawthorne Police Department’s Facility K9 Scottie. Today, held closely by his handler Lameka Bell, and surrounded by a few members of the HPD family, Scottie said his goodbyes. Scottie was born on March 9th, 2010 and spent the first two years of his life in training to become a service dog for Canine Companions for Independence. After graduation, he was placed with the Hawthorne Police Department as the first ever police facility dog in 2012. Scottie has worked in the Community Affairs Unit of the Hawthorne Police Department his entire life with his handler Office Lameka Bell providing support, and comfort to all those in need. As a part of the peer support team, K9 Scottie has spent thousands of hours bringing smiles to the faces of children in court, officers, and individuals facing some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Scottie was always present where and when people needed him most, whether that be in court, school, or a hospital room - he always had a knack of knowing exactly who needed a little extra attention. Scottie’s impact surpassed even Hawthorne city limits, his presence and overall impact on the Hawthorne community has become known internationally.
Throughout his career, Scottie left his imprint on many organizations such as continuing to make appearances at events for Canine Companions, court visits with Courthouse Dog Foundation, SART visits with the YWCA, mediations with CYS, and many more. Scottie’s impact on the world of facility dogs has even served as inspiration for the establishment of two notable nonprofits: the International Police Facility Dog Association (IPFDA) and Project Opportunity. Scottie serves as a symbol that exemplifies the belief that anything is achievable.
While Scottie officially retired in 2020, he still insisted on showing up every day to work to see the people he loved. Everyone who came in contact with Scottie made their own happy memories of him, and each memory will remain forever in the hearts of those he touched. Even after his passing, K9 Scottie will continue to bring smiles and laughs with every memory shared.
-Hawthorne PD
