The Whitemarsh Township Police Department recently announced the retirement of K-9 Diesel with his last shift on December 31, 2024. Diesel joined the force in December 2017.
K-9 Diesel was trained canine in narcotic detection and patrol work. During his time on the force, he tracked missing subjects and wanted suspects and assisted police with apprehensions and evidence detection. Diesel held certifications for narcotics detection through the North American Police Work Dog Association and the United States Police Canine Association. His human partner was Officer James Sweeney.
Over the course of his career, K-9 Diesel assisted regional law enforcement agencies, including United States Customs and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, in removing many dangerous narcotics from the street.
K-9 Diesel was busy right up to his retirement. On Christmas Day 2024, Diesel assisted officers in Plymouth Township to locate a burglary suspect hiding in a stormwater drainage pipe.
K-9 Diesel also represented the department at many community activities, including the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Student Coalition, Police Cop Camps, Boy and Girl Scout events, elementary school visits, Shriners Hospital pizza parties, and the Philadelphia Children’s Christmas celebration with sick children.