'Diesel,' Elmhurst Police K-9 Officer, Dies

ELMHURST, IL – Officers with the Elmhurst Police Department are heartbroken this week after the death of one of their comrades. Diesel, the 10-year-old K-9 officer who had been with the department since 2010, died on Wednesday. A news release states that it was discovered recently that Diesel was suffering from liver cancer.

Diesel was Belgian malinois and the partner of Officer Tony Poli. The department says he will be remembered for "the dedication and honorable service that he gave to the community and to his partner Officer Poli."

"He also enjoyed a rubber ball and a good rub, following a successful track or alert."

Diesel successfully led police officers to evidence at countless crime scenes and was described by the department as being "very protective of his handler."

"Police K-9's such as Diesel, are regarded as active members of the department and are special member of the police family. Diesel will always hold a special place in the hearts of Elmhurst Police Officers.

Please keep Diesel, Officer Poli and his Elmhurst police family in your thoughts during this difficult time."