After eight years of dedicated service, Oscar, the renowned Belgian shepherd of the Hellenic Police, is set to retire from active duty.
This brave canine officer, a source of fear for criminals, will soon “hang up” his service vest, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of achievement.
Under the guidance of his skilled trainer, Dimitris Kalathas, Oscar participated in countless search, rescue, and patrol missions, showcasing unmatched dedication, accuracy, and diligence. From the moment he joined the Hellenic Police at the age of two, he proved he was no ordinary dog; he possessed a unique quality that set him apart.
One of the pivotal moments in his career, as shared by Kalathas, was the 2020 mission in Evros, where Oscar played a vital role in enhancing the security of the Greek border.
Even in challenging conditions, Oscar would respond instantly to the slightest cue, whether it was “Oscar, search” or “Oscar, speak.”
But Oscar was more than just a diligent worker.
For the last two years, he visited schools in Thessaloniki, teaching children the importance of respect and proper behavior toward animals, particularly puppies—both stray and non-stray.
His presence, alongside his trainer’s educational insights, fostered a strong pro-animal awareness among young students. Oscar’s rewards were not monetary; they consisted of love, 1,500 treats a month, and burgers after long night shifts. Most importantly, he cherished the “bravos” and hugs from his beloved trainer, Dimitris Kalathas.
Oscar’s final public appearance was at the inauguration of the Thessaloniki metro, making history as the first dog to complete the entire journey.
With pride and precision, he conducted his duties and sat beside passengers, showcasing his professionalism once more.
Now, Oscar prepares to enjoy his “retirement” at his trainer’s home. Their bond is incredibly strong, and separating was never an option. While Kalathas continues his work, Oscar will be an integral part of his family.
“It’s a profound feeling to see this chapter come to an end. We have spent countless moments together on duty. We are not just a team; we are family, having shared both challenging and beautiful experiences,” says Dimitris Kalathas to APE.
“Those close to Oscar believe if he could talk, he would express pride and a desire to support the police work even more,” he added.
In a few days, Oscar will officially retire by handing over his police vest during a small ceremony in his honor before settling into his trainer’s home.
The baton will be passed to Lupa, another Belgian shepherd with an outstanding training history.
Dimitris Kalathas is confident that this new canine partner will honor the legacy of her predecessor.
How Dogs are Selected for the Hellenic Police
The dogs chosen for training with EL.AS. primarily come from donations by private individuals or their handlers.
They undergo evaluations by trainers based on specific criteria that include trainability and their ability to meet the demands of the Greek environment, including operational and climatic conditions.
Once selected, a training and bonding program between the dog and its police handler begins, as explained by Kalathas to APE.
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