Police K-9 Fights Lymphoma While Protecting Community
LANCASTER, Pa. — Zoltan, an 8-year-old purebred German shepherd and a member of the Lancaster city K-9 Unit, is facing a formidable opponent alongside his partner, Officer Jay Hatfield. Zoltan was recently diagnosed with b-cell lymphoma, a common form of cancer that affects dogs like German shepherds, beagles, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, and poodles. Despite his diagnosis, Zoltan continues to protect and serve the community, undergoing chemotherapy to combat the disease.
Officer Hatfield initially noticed lumps around Zoltan’s collar line and suspected they were just hotspots resulting from frequent harness and collar use. However, a veterinary visit revealed a much graver reality – Zoltan had cancer. Lymphoma attacks the immune system and is often characterized by lumps around the neck, armpits, chest, and groin.
Without treatment, dogs with lymphoma typically survive only four to six weeks. However, with chemotherapy, the chances of remission are promising. Zoltan embarked on a 19-week chemotherapy regimen that involved intravenous and pill-based treatments. Remarkably, he continued working almost every day while undergoing treatment and achieved remission by the end of May.
Unfortunately, the cancer returned by September, prompting Zoltan to resume chemotherapy treatment. Despite the challenging battle, Zoltan remains full of energy and enthusiasm. Officer Hatfield describes him as running around the house like a superball and bouncing off the walls while on duty. Zoltan’s determination to continue working exemplifies the commitment and dedication of police K-9s in protecting their handlers and the community.
The Lancaster K-9 Unit carries out essential tasks alongside police officers, including drug and bomb detection in potentially hostile situations. These fearless canines play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of officers and suspects during dangerous operations, such as armed standoffs. By deploying K-9s like Zoltan, law enforcement can minimize the risk of injury or loss of life and expedite operations, ultimately protecting both officers and citizens.
Beyond their indispensable contributions to law enforcement, K-9s like Zoltan achieve remarkable feats that officers working alone cannot. Just a few months ago, Zoltan successfully assisted in the search of a storage facility reeking of marijuana. Instead of obtaining individual search warrants for each unit, a time-consuming process not feasible for the situation, Zoltan quickly pinpointed the source of the odor, resulting in charges against the responsible party.
Zoltan’s impressive track record includes prior contraband discoveries, apprehending suspects attempting to flee from police, and aiding in locating missing individuals. The Lancaster K-9 Unit sources its dogs from overseas, where they have a long history of breeding working animals. Zoltan, hailing from Hungary, was named after Zoltan Bathory, the founder and rhythm guitarist of the heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch.
For Officer Hatfield, Zoltan is not just a loyal partner but also a beloved companion. They trained together rigorously for four weeks, starting when Zoltan was just 15 months old. Overcoming the challenge of their shared alpha personalities, Hatfield established himself as Zoltan’s leader. Whether it’s retrieving, leaving, or holding a play rope, Zoltan eagerly follows Hatfield’s commands, displaying unwavering loyalty and dedication.
Zoltan’s current chemotherapy treatment is anticipated to conclude by the end of January. Until then, he will continue working full shifts, maintaining an enthusiastic and focused approach to his duties. Despite his diagnosis and treatment, Zoltan’s spirit remains unyielding, and his supervisors understand the immense value he brings to the team. As long as Zoltan is up to the task, Officer Hatfield will proudly bring him to work, illustrating the unbreakable bond between a K-9 and their handler.
The Lancaster Bureau of Police’s K-9 and mounted units depend on the generosity of donors to continue their vital work. The public’s admiration for these remarkable animals often leads to much-needed contributions. Both the horses and dogs captivate the community, as they witness the essential role they play in ensuring public safety.
Zoltan’s battle against lymphoma serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience displayed by police K-9s. These courageous canines, like Zoltan, go above and beyond their call of duty, protecting their human counterparts and contributing to a safer community.
