Retired K-9 Diesel Makes Heartwarming Return Visit to Anoka County Sheriff’s Office

ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. — The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) welcomed a familiar face back to the department this week when retired K-9 Diesel stopped by for a visit — a moment the agency highlighted with appreciation and a touch of humor on its social media channels. “We love when retirees come back to visit — especially when they have four legs and paws!” the Sheriff’s Office wrote, thanking Diesel for stopping in.

Diesel, a highly trained K-9 who served alongside his handler, Deputy Jesse Cutler, was officially retired from service earlier this year following a decision by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners. In a resolution effective March 7, 2025, the board determined that Diesel was “no longer a viable resource” for active duty and held “no economic value to the county,” a standard threshold used when transitioning working dogs out of service.

As part of the retirement process — and in keeping with widespread law-enforcement practice — the county transferred full ownership of Diesel to Deputy Cutler at no cost. The board’s resolution noted that due to Diesel’s specialized training and deep, operational bond with his handler, he was “unsuitable as a pet for any owner except his handler.” Deputy Cutler agreed to assume full care, responsibility, and liability for Diesel going forward.

During his active years, Diesel served as part of ACSO’s K-9 unit, which trains its dogs in areas such as suspect apprehension and narcotics detection. Diesel and Deputy Cutler were listed as one of the agency’s active K-9 teams as recently as October 2021.

While the Sheriff’s Office did not release additional details about Diesel’s specific cases or commendations, the agency has previously featured him in community demonstrations and public-safety outreach efforts — roles that frequently help build trust and engagement across Anoka County.

Diesel’s return visit underscores the lasting connection between K-9 partners and the deputies who serve alongside them. For many departments, retired K-9s remain cherished members of the extended law-enforcement family, and Diesel’s drop-in was a lighthearted reminder of that tradition.

MinneapoliMedia has reached out to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office for any additional details about Diesel’s post-retirement life and will update this report if more information becomes available.

MinneapoliMedia