Lake County Sheriff’s Office mourns the passing of Canine Diesel

WAUKEGAN – With a heavy heart, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced the passing of K-9 Diesel.

K-9 Diesel passed away Sept. 11 in the company of his partner, Deputy Craig Somerville.

K-9 Diesel recently was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, which was found to be in an advanced stage. He was 7 years old and would have celebrated his eighth birthday Sept. 15.

K-9 Diesel, who started his career in 2015, will be remembered for finding dozens of missing endangered people, fleeing felons and significant amounts of contraband. Every day, K-9 Diesel eagerly waited for Somerville to open the squad car door so he could go to work.

“We are incredibly saddened by the sudden passing of K-9 Diesel,” Sheriff John Idleburg said in a news release. “K-9 Diesel was a sworn member of our staff and added such tremendous value to our office and to the community. His accomplishments throughout the years will never be forgotten and we will forever be grateful for his service to Lake County. Deputy Somerville lost the closest partner a deputy could have, and we mourn with him.”