Gardena policeman adopts the dog he rescued from a trash bin

A Gardena policeman who rescued a 1-year-old terrier mix found inside a self-compacting trash bin outside a church has now adopted the dog, authorities said Wednesday.

Sgt. Nick Beerling initially discovered the dog after hearing faint whimpers coming from the trash container amid the holiday rush on Dec. 19, according to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles.

Beerling contacted Gardena Animal Control, and the dog was transferred to the spcaLA South Bay Adoption Center, where he received medical care, food and shelter during a required stray hold.

SpcaLA officials said the dog appeared frightened but resilient after the ordeal.

On Christmas Eve, Beerling returned to the shelter with his family and adopted the dog, giving him what the organization described as a “safe and loving home he deserves.”

Security cameras were reportedly present at the church where the dog was found, but the video was not released to police. It was not immediately clear who abandoned the animal.

“This is one rescue we’ll never forget,” the organization said in a statement.

SpcaLA said the dog was initially named Flan after the rescue. But Beerling and his family renamed it  Norm since he was found on Normandie Avenue, NBC Los Angeles reported.

The Daily Breeze staff contributed to this story.