Diego was born and trained in Frankfort, Germany. Diego was 3 years old when Stillwater purchased him. Diego was purchased through K-9 Unlimited, Oscar Hall owner. Oscar Hall is a retired Tulsa PD K-9 handler who founded K-9 Unlimited.
            I was fortunate enough to travel to Dallas Airport with Oscar Hall and watch Diego be taken off the airplane and go through customs. I was the first person that Diego interacted when he cleared customs and was loaded in Oscar Hall’s van.
            I want to make sure that I give my thanks to Norma and Charles Codding. Through their efforts, Norma was able to raise the funds for Diego through public donations. Norma says she raised the money one hair at a time. Norma and Charles spent countless hours on obtaining the money for the purchase. Norma made this a personal goal and I thank them both for their hard work.
            The funniest story I have is; Diego and I were going to OKC to have Diego certified as a drug detector K-9. I stopped along I-35 at a rest stop to let Diego out to go to the bathroom. Diego spotted a rabbit, and took of running. I forgot all my German commands and I just knew he was going to run off, or get ran over by a semi. I was thinking to myself, what was I going to tell the chief about Diego running off? Anyhow, I gained my composure, shouted out a “no” command, and low and behold he came back. Diego jumped into the car and off we went to OKC.
            After Diego retired from Stillwater Police Department, he was able to live with at home with my family. Diego was diagnosed with cancer, and was put to sleep. This was the hardest thing my family had to go through. Diego was cremated, and sits on our mantle, watching over our home. When my time comes, Diego will be buried with me and we will go through that journey together.

MPO II Guy Palladino
School Resource Officer
Stillwater Police Department