Drug, Cell Phone-Sniffing K-9 Deputy Retires From Fulton County Sheriff's Office

ATLANTA — A long career in law enforcement is just cause for celebration when it's time to retire. Especially when you retire on your birthday.

That's what Fulton County Sheriff's Office K-9 Deputy Diesel did last week.

Friday, Diesel turned 9 and ended his service with the Sheriff's Office after six years.

Diesel was the agency's first K-9 who could detect both narcotics and cell phones and worked to perform sweeps of contraband at the Fulton County Jail and the South Jail Annex in Union City, officials said. His service helped to ensure that all those both inside and outside the walls of the county's jails remained safe.

"Diesel will be missed at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office but is set to enjoy a relaxing life of retirement," a Fulton County Sheriff's Office statement said.

Friday Diesel was joined by his handler, Sgt. Byron Thomas, Sheriff Patrick "Pat" Labat and other members of the Sheriff's Office for a big send-off where he enjoyed a specially-made birthday cake.

Thomas will be paired with a new partner later this year, officials said.