Diablo has served the WPD for several years but health complications have led to the need for him to retire, but life after work should be easy enough as his two-legged partner is asking to adopt him.

WILMINGTON — After several years of service to the City of Wilmington, it’s time for one of the Wilmington Police Department’s finest, K9 Diablo, to retire.

Diablo was originally purchased by the city in 2013 and he has been in the care of Police Officer Corporal Kendall Murphy as a K9 officer, but unfortunately, health issues are forcing his retirement.

“Diablo has honorably served as a canine with the Wilmington Police Department; however, a veterinarian examination has determined that medical problems make him unable to continue as a police K-9 and should be retired from active service for humanitarian reasons,” according to a request submitted to the Wilmington City Council.

Retirement should be easy enough for Diablo, providing City Council approves the request, Diablo will get to spend his new found free time with his former partner, Corporal Murphy.

“It is the tradition to retire a law enforcement animal into the care, control, and custody of the animal’s handler whenever possible. Corporal Kendall Murphy, a member of the Canine Unit, has expressed a desire and has the ability to provide for Diablo’s post-retirement care and welfare,” according to the request.