LANCASTER, Pa. — The Lancaster City Bureau of Police today announced that beloved K9 Zoltan has officially retired in light of his advancing cancer.
Zoltan has had two cancer diagnoses within a year, leading his veterinary team and the LCBP to agree that retirement is best. The K9 officially worked his last shift on Feb. 4.
"We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Zoltan for his dedication and exceptional service to the Bureau and our community," the LCBP said in a press release.
Zoltan went into remission for a few months after his first diagnosis in June 2023, but the B-cell lymphoma returned in September 2023. His partner, Officer Hatfield, has been supporting Zoltan through his second cancer treatment at PETS Hospital.
The LCBP says Zoltan has been an invaluable member of the department over the last eight years. The 9-year-old German Shephard, originally from Hungary, is cross-trained in patrol and narcotics detection. He supported various jurisdictions by conducting narcotic searches that resulted in felony arrests.
"Our community is safer and stronger thanks to Zoltan’s commitment to duty, honor, and courage," the police department said in a press release. "Thank you, Zoltan, for your outstanding service and for being an exemplary member of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police."
Among his achievements are the discovery of a storage unit filled with marijuana and assisting the Pennsylvania State Police Vice in locating half a kilo of cocaine, police said. Zoltan has a successful track record of locating missing people and apprehending suspects involved in crimes, including four felons. He has also been utilized 33 times to facilitate peaceful surrenders without incident.
"We kindly ask that you keep Zoltan, his handler Officer J. Hatfield, and their family in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging time," the LCBP said in a press release.
