K9 Zoltan – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Died 2/25/24
Handler – Officer Jay Hatfield

Retired Lancaster city K9 Zoltan dies after battle with cancer

The Lancaster City Bureau of Police announced the passing of K9 Zoltan.Zotan died early Sunday morning.He was laid to rest after Officer Hatfield, his dedicated handler of 8 years, observed his health rapidly deteriorating.K9 Zoltan was given a police escort from his home to PETS where a line of cruisers and fellow officers awaited.It was a touching send-off, illustrating the deep respect and admiration Zoltan earned during his service.In his final moments, Zoltan was surrounded by Officer Hatfield and family members, offering comfort as he peacefully passed away.Police say his memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy of service will live on in the Lancaster City Bureau of Police and the community he served.

Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.