CHATTANOOGA, Tenn
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/4700+block+Highway+58+CHATTANOOGA,+Tenn?entry=gmail&source=g>
. – The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is deeply saddened to
announce the passing of K9 Diesel, who died in the line of duty on
September 17, 2025, due to complications from injuries sustained while
executing a security sweep during a SWAT operation earlier this week. K9
Diesel underwent emergency surgery on the night of September 15, 2025, but
it was quickly realized that his injuries would leave him with a severely
diminished quality of life. After careful consideration and multiple
consultations with veterinary teams, the difficult decision was made to
humanely euthanize him.
“We are all aware of the inherent risk in policing and that includes for
our K9 partners too. Diesel faced those risks with loyalty and courage,
always at the ready to protect our officers and safeguard our community,
said Assistant Chief Rusty Morrison. "K9 Diesel was a member of the CPD
family and his loss is felt by all of us, especially his handler and the
entire K9 Unit."
K9 Diesel, a German Shepherd, was born on August 28, 2022, and joined CPD
in April 2024 after coming from Southern Coast K9 in New Smyrna Beach,
Florida. He was a dual-purpose patrol and narcotics detection K9, assigned
to Officer Paul Winkelman. Diesel’s name carries special meaning. He was
one of five CPD K9s named in remembrance of the Fallen Five from July 16,
2015. The name Diesel came from a nickname that was recommended by the
family of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Carson Holmquist.
During his 17 months of service, K9 Diesel had many achievements:
- Earned 2nd place in Narcotics Detection during the 2025 USPCA Region 22
K9 Trials, qualifying for nationals. - Assisted SWAT, Narcotics, and Gun Teams on numerous operations.
- Carried out multiple successful apprehensions.
Diesel wasn't all serious business, though. He was known to dunk his entire
head into water bowls instead of simply drinking, giving himself a bath and
anyone else that made the mistake of standing in close proximity to him.
The CPD extends our gratitude to the many people and partners who helped us
and K9 Diesel these past few days:
- Erlanger LIFE FORCE, for creating the K9 Transport program and providing
specialized K9 training to their Tactical Paramedics. On Tuesday night’s
call, Tactical Paramedic Justin Krantz was embedded with SWAT and
successfully stabilized Diesel, limiting bleeding and allowing transport
for surgery. - Veterinary Care and Specialty Group (VCSG) in Chattanooga for performing
emergency surgery and giving Diesel every possible chance at recovery. - Dr. Blair Corman and the Animal Hospital of Signal Mountain for their
continued dedication to CPD’s K9s through regular care, physical therapy,
and end-of-life support. - Local businesses in Chattanooga and Signal Mountain for graciously
allowing us to use their space and disrupt normal operations so we could
give Diesel a proper homegoing. - Girl Scout Troop 40837 for creating the Rainbow Bridge that carried
Diesel on his final journey today.
Additional information about K9 Diesel will be added to the Fallen Heroes
<https://chattanooga.gov/fallen-heroes> section of the city's website in
the coming days.
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