Elmhurst mourns death of police dog Diesel

A police dog named Diesel, who has served in Elmhurst for nearly nine years, died this week from liver cancer, officials said Friday.

A 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, Diesel was trained as a tracker to lead officers to evidence at crime scenes and to be protective of his handler and partner, officer Tony Poli.

Diesel "also enjoyed a rubber ball and a good rub following a successful track or alert," the city said in a news release.

Diesel served with the department since June 14, 2010. His cancer was discovered during a recent visit to the vet and he died Wednesday.

Officials said Diesel "will be remembered for the dedication and honorable service that he gave to the community and to his partner, officer Poli. Police K-9's such as Diesel are regarded as active members of the department and are special members of the police family."