Retired Warren K9 needs support in his fight against cancer – He served us, let us serve him

It is well known that police and the public support each other in solving crimes and improving community safety. Today, the Warren Police Department is asking the public for help in locating a four-legged retired officer. The officer retired from the Warren Police Department in June 2024 after an eventful career in law enforcement that included hundreds of calls for service, identifying and locating numerous quantities of deadly drugs, and assisting in the location of nearly one hundred individuals. The officer's name is Kantor and he is an 8-year-old German Shepherd. Kantor lives with his long-time partner, Officer Nicholas Hofer, and his family.

Less than a month after his well-deserved retirement, Officer Hofer noticed a lump in Kantor's neck. After some tests, Kantor and Officer Hofer heard the news no one wants to hear: Kantor has cancer. Kantor has been diagnosed with lymphoma in his neck that has begun to spread to several lymph nodes. Doctors at Michigan State University have announced that Kantor will have to undergo several rounds of chemotherapy to treat the cancerous lymphoma. Kantor needs the public's help because these treatments are not cheap procedures. Kantor's first chemotherapy treatment will take place this Friday (8/16/2024).

We are asking the community to come together and help Kantor by donating to the Warren Police & Fire Benevolent Association. The Benevolent Association will then cover all current and future medical expenses for Kantor so he can receive the treatment he needs and enjoy a long and healthy retirement. Any additional donations will go to the Benevolent Association. Big or small, any donation you can give is greatly appreciated.

Officer Hofer stated, “For the past 5 years, Kantor has been the best partner I could have asked for. He has done everything I have asked of him and more. This is not the retirement we envisioned for him. He deserves a long, happy and healthy retirement. Unfortunately, we know it will not be as long as we had hoped due to the cancer diagnosis, but I want to make the most of the time we have and give him back everything he has given me.”

Donations can be made via the following GoFundMe link

Checks can be made out to the Warren Police & Fire Benevolent Association and mailed to the Warren Police Department (29900 S. Civic Center Blvd, Warren MI 48098, ATTN Police Administration). Let's give Kantor the support he needs!

For more information, please contact Warren Police Chief Charles Rushton at 586-574-4803 or 586-823-9845.