Canton Police Officer Sherman Schilling poses with partner, Diesel.
CANTON (TNS) — The Canton Police Department lost an “integral member” of its K-9 unit this week.
Police dog Diesel died from a fast-growing lymphoma on March 29. It is the second police dog handled by Canton Patrolman Sherman Schilling to pass away this year.
In January, Schilling’s retired K-9 partner, Loco, passed away. The department purchased K-9 Diesel to replace Loco’s position in 2015.
Diesel was a member of the department’s SWAT team and Police K-9 Association for six years.
“Diesel was partner and best friend to Officer Schilling,” said Amy Stover Vice President of the Police K-9 Association.
“Diesel signed on for duty up until his immediate diagnosis. A true warrior. A true hero,” said Patrolman Chris Heslop, head trainer of the Canton’s K-9 unit and K-9 association president.
Memorial plans have not yet been announced.
The Police K-9 Association, or PK9A, supports over 40 active and retired K-9s in Ohio. Donations to association can be made by visiting www.policek9association.com/donate.
