After eight years of uninterrupted service, Oscar, the famous Belgian shepherd of the Hellenic Police, is retiring from active duty.

The four-legged policeman, who has been a fear and terror to criminals and robbers, is about to “hang up” his service vest, leaving behind a huge legacy of success.

Oscar, under the command of his experienced trainer, Dimitris Kalathas, participated in numerous search, rescue, and patrol operations, standing out for his dedication, precision, and hard work. From the first moment he joined the Hellenic Police, at just two years old, he showed that he was no ordinary dog; he had that “something” that made him special.

One of the most intense moments of his career, as Kalathas says excitedly, was the mission to Evros in 2020, during which he played a key role in strengthening the security of the Greek border.

Oscar, even under harsh and demanding conditions, responded immediately to the slightest nod, the slightest “Oscar, search” and “Oscar, speak.”

However, Oscar was not only a hard working professional.

For the past two years he visited schools in Thessaloniki and helped children learn the value of respect and proper behavior toward animals and especially puppies, stray and non-stray.

His presence, combined with the pedagogical explanations of his chaperone, reinforced the pro-animal consciousness in the young students. Oscar’s “salary” was not money, of course, but love, rewards, 1,500 treats a month and burgers after difficult night shifts. Most important, though, were the “bravos” and hugs, especially from his man, Dimitri Kalathas.

Oscar’s last public appearance took place at the opening of the metro in Thessaloniki, where he became the first dog to complete his entire journey.

With pride and precision, he checked the area and sat next to the passengers, once again demonstrating his professionalism.

Now, Oscar is preparing to enjoy his “retirement” at his instructor’s home. Their relationship is very close and the decision was a one-way street, as it was impossible to stay away. Although Kalathas will continue to work, Oscar will live as an equal member of his family.

“It’s a very big thrill for a cycle to come full circle. From morning to night we have been with Oscar all these years he has been in the police force. We are a team, but also a family and we have had very difficult but also very beautiful moments together, so what can I first remember from our work together,” Oscar’s trainer Dimitris Kalathas tells APE.

“Those who know Oscar say that if he spoke, he would definitely say that he feels proud and would like to help the work of the police even more,” he said.

In a few days, Oscar will hand over the vest with the “police” logo in a modest ceremony in his honor and then settle into his instructor’s home.

The baton is now passed on to Lupa, also a Belgian shepherd, with an already excellent training record.
Dimitris Kalathas is confident that his new four-legged partner will stand deservedly in the place of her predecessor.

How dogs are selected for the Hellenic Police

The dogs, selected to be trained for the EL.AS., come mainly from donations from private individuals or handler escorts.

They are then evaluated by trainers, based on the specifications that have been set, which, apart from the given characteristics they must possess and which concern their trainability, focus on their ability to respond to the Greek reality, i.e. operational requirements, climatic conditions, etc.

Once the dog is selected, a training and familiarization program between the dog and the police escort begins, Kalathas explained to APE.