05/12/2026
๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฆ:
๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐๐ก๐๐๐ฅ "๐๐ข๐ค๐" ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ญ๐ฅ๐
Today, the Lancaster County Sheriffโs Office is mourning the loss of Master Deputy Michael โMikeโ Hirtle, who passed away yesterday morning.
As we begin National Police Week, we pause to honor not only an incredible law enforcement career, but an incredible man who dedicated nearly 25 years of his life to serving the people of Lancaster County.
Master Deputy Hirtle began his law enforcement career with Mecklenburg County, where he served for three years, followed by 18 years with the Lancaster City Police Department, and six and a half years with the Lancaster County Sheriffโs Office, where he faithfully completed his journey in law enforcement. This December would have marked 25 years of dedicated service.
Throughout his career, Mike built a reputation that went far beyond the badge he wore every day. He was the definition of โProtect and Serve.โ
Mike Hirtle was the kind of person who made you feel like family the moment you met him. It didnโt matter if he had known you for years or just minutes, he greeted everyone with a warm smile, a hug, and a servantโs heart. He genuinely cared about people.
He was the deputy who volunteered to take one more report even when his shift was ending. The friend who would give you the shirt off his back. The man who quietly paid for lunches, helped those struggling financially, and even stepped in to help community members keep a roof over their heads. His acts of kindness were never done for recognition. They were simply who he was.
Mike loved this community, and he loved his brothers and sisters in law enforcement, but most of all, he loved serving others. His impact on Lancaster County cannot be measured by arrests made or calls answered alone, but by the countless lives he touched through compassion, generosity, and selflessness.
More than anything, Mike was a living example of our action statement: โUse all interactions as opportunities to serve, leaving a positive impression.โ He embodied those words every single day through the way he treated people, cared for his community, and served alongside his fellow deputies. The legacy he leaves behind is not only one we will remember, but one we will carry forward each and every day.
Today, we grieve alongside his family, friends, fellow deputies, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We also celebrate a life of service that left a lasting mark on Lancaster County.
Master Deputy Michael โMikeโ Hirtle was more than a law enforcement officer. He was a servant, a friend, and a light to so many.
Please continue to keep the Hirtle family and our entire law enforcement family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
๐๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ก: ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐
