Featured Employees

In an effort to introduce members of our department to members of our community, we have included a brief biography of three of our employees. They have been selected for inclusion by the Police Officers Association. The featured employees are rotated quarterly.

Public Services Officer Charles Aquino

Charles Aquino was born and raised in San Jose, California.  He graduated from Silver Creek High School.  Charles began his career in law enforcement when he was hired as a Police Cadet with the Union City Police Department in December 2005.  As a Police Cadet, Charles held assignments in various units within the police department which included the following: Traffic Section, Property and Evidence Section, and Animal Services. Charles was appointed Interim Public Services Officer and ultimately became the full-time Public Services Officer in 2010. 

Charles graduated from De Anza College with an Associate degree in the Administration of Justice and Liberal Arts.  He is currently attending California State University East Bay with the goal of attaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.  Along with his formal education, Charles also completed the Police Academy Reserve Module III at the College of San Mateo. During his free time, Charles enjoys playing and writing music, spending time with family and friends, bowling, and going on trips.

Cpl. Bob Kensic and Police Canine Axl Z Pal-Walu

Cpl. Kensic has been with the Union City Police Department since 2000.  He is a member of the Hostage Negotiations Team, is a Crime Scene Technician, and is a Field Training Officer.  From 2004 - 2010 Cpl. Kensic worked as a Canine Handler with his partner "Axl" - a German Shepherd from the Czech Republic.   Cpl. Kensic is currently assigned to the COPPS Unit and Union Landing. When they're off duty, Cpl. Kensic and Axl enjoy training and going fishing together.

Police Canine Axl Z Pal-Walu “Axl” was born April 8th 2002, in the Czech Republic, and brought to the United States by Wittmer Tyson Canine Imports.  Police Canine Axl successfully completed police canine patrol, basic tracking and advanced tracking schools.  Police Canine Axl has participated in police canine trials and has completed over three hundred deployments, which include building searches, suspect surrenders, handler protection encounters, searches for suspects, tracking missing persons, and assists for other law enforcement agencies. Axl is currently 7 years old and retired from duty in January 2010. 

Previously Featured Employees