LakelandPD

05/28/2026

Rest in Peace, K-9 Pantera “Ace” — We’re Going to Miss You, Buddy 💙🐾

Our hearts were broken yesterday as we said goodbye to K-9 Pantera “Ace,” a faithful partner, protector, and beloved member of the Lakeland Police Department family.

Ace recently suffered an unexpected medical event, and despite the best efforts of medical professionals, his health declined rapidly. We are grateful to the the incredible team at New Life Veterinary Hospital who cared for him with compassion during his final days.

Raised by Officer Vanderpool from a puppy, Ace’s journey began in sport and competition before he answered the call to serve his community. In June 2022, Officer Vanderpool and Ace officially became a Lakeland Police K-9 team, forging a partnership built on loyalty and trust.

During his distinguished service, Ace completed 54 narcotics deployments, leading to 31 seizures and 19 drug arrests. On patrol, he responded to 375 calls for service, contributing to 138 arrests and 6 apprehensions. His work helped make our community safer, and his impact will never be forgotten.

Together, Officer Vanderpool and Ace earned recognition in United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) competition, placing 3rd overall, and were preparing to proudly represent Region 1 at the USPCA Nationals. This duo was also recognized by the National USPCA and bestowed the local President’s Roundtable award for locating a missing child.

But beyond the accolades and statistics was a partnership few can truly understand, the unbreakable bond between a K-9 officer and his partner. Officer Vanderpool and K9 Ace stood together through every challenge, every call, and every victory.

Officer Vanderpool, although Ace’s watch has ended, his courage, loyalty, and devotion to duty will live on forever.

K-9 Ace… your streets are secure. Your work here is complete. You have answered your final call. End of Watch: May 26, 2026.

Rest easy, Ace. You will forever remain in our hearts. Have fun at the bridge with your former teammates. We’ll take it from here.

05/27/2026

TRAFFIC ALERT - CRASH AT E. ORANGE ST AND BARTOW RD

A traffic crash has occurred near the intersection of E. Orange Street and Bartow Road. The southbound lanes of Bartow Road near the area are closed. Please choose an alternate route if you travel this way. Officers are on scene redirecting motorists.

An update will be posted once the lanes have reopened.

05/26/2026

Tonight is Spirit Night for Lakeland PAL at Lakeland Ice Cream! ⚠️ Important: You must explicitly mention "SPIRIT NIGHT" for Lakeland PAL at checkout so that the donation is credited to the program.

This fundraiser is active at both local locations:
North Location: 2973 Duff Rd
South Location: 2972 Lakeland Highlands Rd

Come enjoy a tasty treat and support the mission of Lakeland PAL!

05/25/2026

A beautiful morning at the 6th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Naacp Lakeland Branch in partnership with the Polk County Veterans Council. 🇺🇸

Thank you to the members of the Buffalo Soldiers, AMVETS Post 32 Honor Guard and the "Sing Out Crew" from Academy Prep for the National Anthem. Colonel Dr. Russell Barnes, retired USAF, gave a powerful message reminding us all what Memorial Day is all about.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten and their service is to be forever honored. Please take a moment to reflect on their service and keep those who love them in your thoughts today.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

Thank you to Starbucks at Lakeside Village for hosting our LakelandPD team for Coffee with a Cop! 🚔☕

We enjoyed connecting with everyone who stopped by to chat, ask questions, and show their support. We’re grateful for our community partnerships and look forward to the next one!

05/20/2026

In April, our Officers arrested 20 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Great job to our dedicated officers your hard work is making our community safer, one stop at a time.

🚨If you see an impaired driver, don’t hesitate—call 911. And remember: If you plan to drink, plan to have a ride.

05/19/2026

Our Neighborhood Liaison Officers enjoyed spending time reading with this amazing group of preschoolers! The Lakeland Police Department is proud to be a part of the Polk Heroes Literacy Program, sharing stories with the children at Hadley's Early Education Preschool.💙

This monthly program with Early Learning Coalition of Polk County is a reading initiative designed to promote early literacy in the classroom while building positive connections between children of our community and law enforcement officers and first responders. Additionally, each child is given a copy of the book that was read to take home to encourage continued literacy for the child and the family. The books are graciously provided by the ELCPC

05/18/2026

🐾 🌈 K9 HYDE, we will miss ya buddy. Have fun playing with the other K9s at the rainbow bridge 🐾 🌈

Sadly, retired police K9 Hyde passed away at the age of 14. K9 Hyde was the loyal partner of Sergeant Jeremy Williams and served the Lakeland Community for eight years until retiring in 2021.

Along with his normal duties each shift, Hyde won countless awards during USPCA certifications, placing top at both the regional and national level competitions. He also received the SPCA Florida 2016 Diogi K-9 Hero of the Year award.

In 2016, this brave boy was stabbed by a suspect, but it didn’t slow him down and he returned to work without missing a beat. During his career he assisted with 164 arrests and was an immeasurable asset to both our K-9 Unit and our community.

K9 Hyde, we hope you’re running free of pain, catching up with your old K-9 buddies. We miss you sweet boy!💙

05/16/2026