K-9 Diesel is retiring from the Tigard Police Department after eight incredible years of service.
Diesel has been working with his handler, Officer Mike Powers, since joining the department in the spring of 2015. At that time, Diesel was a one-year-old German Shepherd and was purchased thanks to donated funds from the Tigard Breakfast Rotary Club.
Diesel and Officer Powers completed certification through the Oregon Police Canine Association, which includes 400 training hours spanning 10 weeks. Over the years, Diesel has been used to sniff out narcotics, track and locate criminal suspects and find evidentiary articles like clothing or weapons. He can also be used to search for missing or endangered people to help bring them home safely.
Sadly, a veterinarian recently determined Diesel has a neurological disorder that has impacted his physical ability and agility. Due to this diagnosis, he can no longer fulfill his role as an active police K-9, and his retirement is effective July 1, 2023. Diesel will be “adopted” by Officer Powers and his family and will continue to enjoy his golden years at home with them.
Over the last eight years, Diesel is to thank for 102 captures, 53 assists and locating 103 articles of evidence. Diesel also assisted in the largest methamphetamine seizure in the history of the Portland DEA field office when he discovered 100 pounds of methamphetamine in the floorboards of a car. If there’s one thing Officer Powers would like to share about his time with Diesel, it’s this: trust your dog.
A video of Diesel with Officer Powers over the years is available at youtu.be/F-nTncZ1MIs.
