The Chattanooga Police Department 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.