State Senator Bo Watson and Rep. Michele Reneau joined law enforcement colleagues and community leaders Wednesday to commemorate the designation of a portion of Amnicola Highway as the K-9 Diesel Memorial Highway.

Diesel, a Chattanooga Police Department K-9, was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 17, 2025, after suffering severe injuries while helping officers apprehend an armed suspect. Diesel was three years old and had served with The Chattanooga Police Department for one year and five months.

“Diesel was more than a police K-9. He was a partner, a protector and a fierce member of our law enforcement,” said Senator Watson. “While we cannot change what happened to Diesel, we can honor his sacrifice and make sure his legacy continues to help protect the K-9s who serve our community.”

Senator Watson and Rep. Reneau also sponsored the K-9 Emergency Medical Care and Transport Act during this past year’s legislative session, which allows trained EMS personnel to provide emergency medical care and transportation to K-9s injured in the line of duty.

The designated portion of Amnicola Highway begins at Wisdom Street and ends at Judd Road.

The ceremony included the unveiling and presentation of the new memorial highway signs honoring Diesel and his service to the Chattanooga community.