The third and final internal appeal process for former Rockwood Police K-9 Officer Charles Haubrich has concluded, with the Civil Service Board voting to uphold his termination. The dismissal stemmed from an incident late last year following a minor fender-bender in Rockwood; after the female driver allegedly left the scene, she was stopped by Harriman police officers.

Haubrich responded to the scene, administered a field sobriety test, and his K-9 partner alerted to potential illegal drugs. Body camera footage and testimony revealed that Haubrich then asked a female Harriman officer to search the driver’s bra area, later making a finger gesture and asking if she “went deep twice.” The Harriman officer expressed discomfort, reported the encounter to Rockwood Police Chief Kelly Pittman, and testified at the final hearing.

An internal investigation led to Haubrich’s termination, prompting an appeal process that moved through the Police Board, the Rockwood City Council, and ultimately the Civil Service Board at Rockwood City Hall. During Monday’s final hearing, Haubrich’s attorney from the Davis Law Firm argued to overturn the termination and clear his record, while Rockwood City Attorney Greg Leffew maintained that the firing should stand.

The board ultimately sided with the city, letting the termination stand for the eight-year veteran, whose appeal also brought to light previous complaints and disciplinary actions. While this decision marks the end of the city’s internal appeals, Haubrich retains the option to pursue the matter further in Chancery Court.