The Warren Sun

The Warren Police Department is seeking public assistance for a retired K9 officer named Kantor, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Kantor, an 8-year-old German Shepherd, retired in June 2024 after a distinguished career that included numerous deployments and the identification of deadly narcotics. He also assisted in locating nearly one hundred people during his service.

Kantor lives with his long-time partner, Officer Nicholas Hofer, and his family. Less than a month after retirement, Officer Hofer discovered a lump near Kantor’s throat. Subsequent tests revealed that Kantor has lymphoma in his neck, which has begun to spread to several lymph nodes. Doctors at Michigan State University have recommended chemotherapy to treat the condition.

The treatments are costly, and the Warren Police Department is asking the community to help cover these expenses by donating to the Warren Police & Fire Benevolent Association. The association will handle all of Kantor’s current and future medical costs. Any additional donations will go towards the Benevolent Association.

Officer Hofer expressed his sentiments: “For the last 5 years, Kantor has been the best partner I could have asked for. He has done everything that I’ve asked of him and more. This is not the retirement we had in mind for him. He deserves a long, happy, and healthy retirement. Unfortunately with this cancer diagnosis, we know that it will not be as long as we would have hoped but I want to make the most of the time we have and pay him back for all that he has given me.”

Donations can be made via GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/d539542a or by mailing checks made out to the Warren Police & Fire Benevolent Association to Warren Police Department (29900 S. Civic Center Blvd., Warren MI 48098, ATTN Police Administration). For further information, contact Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton at 586-574-4803 or 586-823-9845.