‘Fantastic guy.’ Beloved Hanford Patrol officer remembered after sudden death

The sudden death of a well-loved Hanford Patrol officer rocked family, friends and fellow officers recently.

People remembered Pat Krzan, 65, as a humorous, generous and outgoing man, who was a talented and passionate dog handler for the Hanford Patrol.

“He was so proud to be a Hanford patrolman,” his daughter Jennifer Colborn told the Tri-City Herald. “He loved the job and family to his core.”

His death on June 25 from a heart attack shocked those close to him. Dozens shared memories of the officer they called a truly good human.

Krzan held positions as the most senior K-9 officer with the Hanford Patrol, a Benton County reserve deputy and longtime member of the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge.

“He was a guy who was the epitome of selfless service,” said Marco Monteblanco, former president of the Washington Fraternal Order of Police. “He was a fantastic guy. He always had a smile on his face.”

Long law enforcement career

Krzan was born in Ohio and moved west in his teens. After moving to the Tri-Cities, he joined Hanford Patrol, where his 40-year career included work on the tactical response team and as a K-9 officer.

“He loved dogs. He was just a natural handler,” said Robert Morrow, who worked with Krzan and said he was great at understanding how to get police dogs to do what he needed.

Morrow started in the program at the same time as Krzan and became a trainer while Krzan was a handler.

During the course of his career, Krzan had 12 dogs. His first was Nitro. His 4-legged partners became family members when he came home.

“He was a super guy. He was always happy and friendly, and we’re going to miss him a bunch,” Morrow said. “He was unique and special.”

He also worked as a reserve deputy for the Benton County Sheriff Office, where he spent weekends patrolling on the rivers before retiring.

“He will be remembered for his incredible character and unforgettable sense of humor,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook. “Pat, you will be deeply missed.”

Family man

Krzan had four children and nine grandchildren.

“He never missed an opportunity to support the people he loved, whether by cheering from the sidelines, lending a helping hand or sharing laughter with his signature goofiness. Pat was the kind of family man who was present in both everyday and extraordinary moments,” his obituary said.

His sense of humor and ability to put people at ease continued when he was at home, Colborn said. He spent time getting to know all of her friends.

“He saw the good in everyone,” she said.

Anyone who knew Krzan is invited to attend his celebration of life at Calvary Chapel Tri-Cities on July 12 at 11 a.m.

“Pat’s spirit, kindness and laughter will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him,” his obituary said.

This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM.