sheriffs: K-9 Unit

The K-9 unit is funded solely through donations from private individuals and business. Donations are used to maintain the unit and provide care for Ronin. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office welcomes citizens and business to participate
in sustaining this worthwhile program.

Donations may be sent to:

Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office

K-9 Unit

50 North Duke Street

Lancaster, PA 17602

OR if you would like to purchase official clothing, patches, or hats click here

History

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was formed in February 1998 with Deputy Marc Lancaster appointed as the first handler and his partner a black lab named Kayla. Kayla retired in April 2005.

The Sheriff’s Office second handler was Deputy David Bolton and his partner a Belgian Malinois named Cobra. Cobra retired in April 2010.

Cobra

Our Current Program

The Sheriff’s K-9 Unit currently consists of one K-9 team, Corporal David Bolton and his partner Ronin. Cpl. Bolton was selected to be the next handler in September 2004. Cpl. Bolton handled Cobra for six years and now handles Ronin. Cpl. Bolton and Ronin went through an intensive six week Police K-9 academy located at North East Police K-9 Academy located in Wilkes-Barrie, PA

Ronin is a two year old Shepherd / Malinois mix from Czech Republic. Ronin is trained in a variety of important skills.

Ronin

One of Ronin’s Skills is explosive detection. Ronin can detect a variety of different odors. Ronin’s motivation to search for explosives is his ball and playing with his handler.

Some of Ronin’s other skills are:

Tracking Ronin tracks by either ground disturbance or by scent of the person being tracked. Also during a track if Ronin located an article he will alert by lying down without touching it.
Building search Ronin can locate criminals who are hiding in buildings.
Deputy protection Ronin will protect his handler and other deputies when they are in danger.
Demonstrations Ronin and Cpl. Bolton also conduct demonstrations of Ronin’s skills and explain the K-9 unit skills and functions. They provide demonstrations to schools, clubs, and places of business.

Demonstration

Ronin and Cpl. Bolton train everyday in some aspect of his training. Ronin and Cpl. Bolton also train sixteen hours a month with trainer Paul Price of North East Police K-9 Academy. The team is also certified each year through United Police and Correction K-9 Association.

Retired K-9 Unit

Kayla Cobra 2

Kayla retired in April 2005 Cobra retired April 2010