K-9 UNIT

Sergeant David Bolton, Supervisor, Handler and K-9 Diesel
BoltonD@co.lancaster.pa.us
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Corporal David Cole, Handler and  K-9 Ragnar
dcole@co.lancaster.pa.us


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Unit Funding

The Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit is substantially funded through donations from private individuals and businesses. Donations are used to maintain the Unit and provide care for Diesel and Ragnar. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office encourages and welcomes citizens and businesses to partner with us in sustaining this program. The Handlers and their partners provide an invaluable service to the residents of Lancaster County.

Donations may be sent to:

Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office
K-9 Unit
50 North Duke Street
Lancaster, PA 17602


Thank you for your support!

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About the K-9 Unit

  • The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was formed in February 1998. Deputy Marc Lancaster was appointed as the first handler in the Office and his K-9 partner Kayla, was a black lab who was trained exclusively in explosive detection. Kayla retired in 2005.

  • In September 2004, Deputy David Bolton became the Office's second handler with his partner Cobra, a Belgian-Malinois. Cobra was a dual-purpose K-9 trained in explosives detection and patrol functions.  Cobra retired in 2010.

  • In 2010, after the retirement of Cobra, Deputy Bolton attended an 6-week Police K-9 academy in Wilkes-Barre, PA with his new K-9 partner Ronin, a Belgian-Malinois/German Shepard mix. Ronin was a dual-purpose K-9 from the Czech Republic, trained in explosives detection and patrol functions.  Ronin retired in 2018.

  • In July, 2015, in addition to Sgt. Bolton, Deputy David Cole was assigned to the K-9 Unit as a handler with his K-9 partner Edik, a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix. Deputy Cole and Edik attended a 10-week training academy in Mechanicsburg, PA. Edik is a dual-purpose K-9 from the Czech Republic, trained in explosives detection and patrol functions.  In 2019, Edik retired and Deputy  Cole's new partner, Ragnar, was placed into service. They attended a 5 week K-9 course in Iowa, K-9 Tactical.  Deputy Cole has since been promoted to the rank of Corporal and has also become a master trainer.    

  • In 2018, after the retirement of K-9 Ronin, Sgt. Bolton attended a 2-week handler course with his new K-9 partner Diesel, Belgian Malinois. Diesel is a dual-purpose K-9 trained in explosives detection and patrol functions.  Diesel is still in service today. 

K-9 SERVICES

  • Explosives Detection: Both Ragnar and Diesel are trained to detect a variety of odors to include the odor of bomb ingredients. Both canines will advise their handlers with a passive alert when they have located an odor source.
  • Tracking: K-9’s track by either ground disturbance or by the odor of the individual being tracked.  K-9’s will also alert on found articles along a track by lying down without touching the item.
  • Building Searches:  Ragnar and Diesel can locate criminals who are hiding in buildings.
  • Deputy protection: Ragnar and Diesel will protect their handlers and other deputies when they are in danger.
  • Demonstrations: The handlers and K-9’s provide skills demonstrations to schools, clubs and businesses throughout Lancaster County.

Both K-9 teams train daily on the skills in which they are certified. They also train 16 hours a month with Sgt. Bolton who is a certified master police K-9 trainer. Corporal Cole has recently become a certified master trainer as well. 

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Retired K-9's 


Kayla