The Colorado Springs Police Department's K-9 unit had to say goodbye to one of its retired furry friends Friday, as canine Diesel passed away at 14.

Diesel served the city of Colorado Springs from 2012 to 2019 as a narcotics detection and patrol apprehension dog.

Police said that Diesel "had an incredible career" with his handler Lt. Brian Cummings. One of Diesel's highlights was when he took down a crossbow-wielding man midway through his career.

News Death of K-9 Britta mourned by Colorado Springs police By Ajia Cuevas [email protected]

Ancus Marcius Hoffar Bone had taken a crossbow inside a business on the 2500 block of East Bijou Street and threatened to kill employees in 2015.

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Bone ended up dropped the crossbow but would not listen to other commands from police, so the officers released Diesel, who bit Bone. He was then taken into custody.

Back in 2018, during the time of Diesel's service, the unit was also recognized for its work toward protecting the community.

Hometown Heroes: Police K-9 unit recognized for protecting community

According to prior Gazette reporting, the unit was honored by the Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado as a Hometown Hero.

The K-9 unit works with SWAT and patrol units, and also frequently works with the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Cummings family in this time of their loss. Thank you for your service canine Diesel, we have the watch from here," the department wrote on social media Friday.

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