Middletown officer known for ‘immeasurable’ contributions to police K-9 community dies at 80

MIDDLETOWN — A longtime Middletown police K-9 trainer and handler known for “immeasurable” contributions to the nationwide police K-9 community passed away Monday, according to a department spokesperson.

>>PHOTOS: Middletown officer known for ‘immeasurable’ contributions to K-9 program dies at 80

Retired officer Bill Hollister died Monday at the age of 80, the department announced in a social media post Tuesday.

Hollister worked with the department’s K-9 program from 1969 through his retirement in 2000. Following his retirement he remained with the department’s K-9 unit as their head trainer until 2016.

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Hollister had six K-9 partners during his time as a Middletown officer: Duke, Thor, Logan, Spencer, Custody and Roc, the spokesperson said.

While Hollister was recognized for his local work with K-9s his contributions were recognized well outside of Ohio.

“Bill was also one of the original members of the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) in 1971. He was a national judge and trainer and has trained hundreds of police dogs in the tri-state area,” the spokesperson said.

“His contribution to the Police K9 community is immeasurable. He will be greatly missed.”

Funeral services were not immediately released.

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K9 Officer Bill Hollister Contributed Photo/Middletown Police

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