KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

It was a bittersweet morning for the Tullahoma Police Department as officers, city officials and community members gathered to honor and celebrate the retirement of K-9 Storm.

Storm’s retirement was first announced back in March, where the Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the retirement, and the transfer of ownership his handler, Cpl. Derek Bowles. The reason for Storm’s retirement was due to a medical diagnosis that disqualified him from continued service. Storm has been working as a K-9 officer for six years, where he spent the last two-and-a-half years with the Tullahoma Police Department.

Starting off the ceremony was City Administrator Jason Quick and said the ceremony was not just a retirement for Storm but a retirement of a partnership. Quick shared that he was to watch Bowles and Storm work together on several occasions, where he joined on ride-alongs, and saw how they worked as a team.

“In times that I’ve spoken about the first responders in the past and spoken about having each other’s back, I’ve never seen anything like that with a handler and a dog before,” Quick said. “It’s almost like they could read each other’s mind and they could read each other’s next move. It was incredible.”

Quick wished Storm the best in his retirement and said he appreciated that Bowles was taking Storm in. He added that the new K-9 officer has some “big paws” to fill in.

“We all always talk about how we always want to be the face of the city, we always want to go out and serve others. Storm has done this quite well,” Quick said. “I can’t think of a better representation that could have been made.”

Tullahoma Police Chief Chase Sons echoed Quick’s sentiments and thanked Bowles for the work and time he has put into his job, and his family for supporting him and Storm. Sons said Storm served the police department with distinction.

“He stood watch protecting the innocent, apprehending the dangerous, and detecting narcotics that threaten our community side by side with his handler,” Quick said. “Storm’s keen instincts and fearless dedication made our city safer and our department stronger, and our heart’s forever grateful as he hangs up his badge and takes his well-earned rest.

Chase said the department was honoring not only Storm’s years of service, but the spirit and devotion that defined every mission he faced, faithful, fearless, and forever a protector.

“Thank you Storm, for your amazing, your amazing career, and congratulations on your well-deserved retirement,” Sons said.

Mayor Lynn Sebourn spoke next and presented a proclamation dedicating Oct. 24, 2025 as K-9 Storm Day to recognize Storm’s service to the community and extending the city’s gratitude for his years of duty.

“Be it further proclaimed that the citizens of Tullahoma join me in expressing our sincere appreciation to K-9 Storm and his handler Cpl. Derek Bowles for their partnership in keeping our community safe, and we wish K-9 Storm a happy and peaceful retirement.”

Bowles followed and he thanked everyone for taking the time out of their day to show their support. He said there were many individuals who played a part his and Storm’s journey, and took the opportunity to thank those individuals, which included former Manchester Police Chief Mark Yother, Nashville K-9 and former Tullahoma Police Chief Jason Williams.

Bowles said when he first became a K-9 handler, he knew very little about dogs and training.  

“I started with very few resources and I quickly realized the potential for tremendous liability,” Bowles said.

He continued and said he was fortunate enough to cross paths with Sgt. Lee Young of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and Garry Templeton of the Murfreesboro Police Department, who extended an invite to Bowles to attend their weekly training groups.

“I’m deeply grateful to Lee Young and Gary Templeton for their guidance, mentorship, and continued friendship,” he said.

He also thanked Jason Hanley, a trainer and police service dog defender in Scottsville, Ky., as he hosts competitions and seminars where Bowles said he got to learn from some of the best handlers and trainers in the region. He also thanked the individuals who helped train Storm in suspect apprehension. He then thanked Dr. Ross Capps with All Creatures Veterinary Clinic for providing care for Storm and gave a special thank-you to Rose Robinson of Tractor Supply, who he called Storm’s biggest fan, for supporting Storm and the police department. He then thanked his wife Morgan for her support.

“Our time at home is already limited, and being a canine handler adds even more responsibility and time away, but you’ve remained by my side through it all,” Bowles said. “Without your love, patience, and support, none of this would’ve been possible. I love you and I want everyone here to know that our community should be proud of you too.”

He concluded by thanking everyone again for attending to celebrate Storm and his service, and said being his partner has been the honor of a lifetime.

Before reading Storm’s career achievements, Community Engagement Officer Lyle Russell said did some research in preparation when he came across a canine retirement in Idaho, and saw a comment that read “why are we doing all of this for a dog?”

“Well, let me tell you why we’re doing all this for a dog,” Russell said in response to the comment.

Per Russell, during his tenure with the Tullahoma Police Department, Storm’s work had been instrumental in numerous narcotic seizures that resulted in arrests and convictions in both state and federal courts. Specifically, Storm’s efforts while on patrol led to multiple vehicle seizures, the confiscation of tens of thousands of dollars in drug related investigations, physically apprehending seven suspects and was deployed in more than 40 additional suspect encounters that resulted in voluntary surrenders. Among his notable operations was his assistance with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office in locating and apprehending a subject wanted in a shooting incident.

Russell also highlighted Storm’s competitive performances, earning him recognition at multiple police K-9 competitions and seminars. His awards include second place in the Randy Hare Detection Scramble in 2021 and 2023, the Gene England Award winner at the OnPoint K9 Competition in 2022, first place patrol dog at the OnPoint K9 Competition in 2023, and Top Dog/First Place Overall at the OnPoint K-9 Competition in 2024.

In addition, Storm has been a part of public demonstrations and has been involved with the police department’s annual National Night Out event, Tractor Supply Company’s Hometown Heroes event and conducting demonstrations at schools and preschools throughout the community.

“So, I know that person who wrote that comment is not here today, but that’s why you do this for a dog,” Russell stated.

Sons returned to the podium and asked both Bowles and Storm to join him. Sons said to honor the legacy of Storm, the police department presented a shadow box containing a state flag that’s been flown over the capitol.

“I know this is a small token in no way shows the entire gratitude we have for you and Storm and the legacy left on telling the police department,” Sons said to Bowles and Storm. “But I think I can speak for everybody here that we just can’t tell you how proud of you we are, how proud of Storm we are and we can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for this community.”

Closing out, Russell said the ceremony was a reminder that behind every badge, mission and call for service, there were bonds that went far beyond simple duty. He continued and said Storm was “an extraordinary police canine that has served alongside our officers with unwavering courage, loyalty, and dedication, qualities that define the very best of law enforcement for his entire career.”

Russell said Storm was more than a working dog, he was a partner, a protector, and a member of the law enforcement family.

“His nose, and when needed, his teeth have kept our community safer,” Russell said. “His presence has provided comfort and deterrence, and his spirit has inspired all who have worked alongside him today as Storm retires his badge and vest.”

Russell ended his closing remarks by stating they were celebrating not an ending, but a new beginning, as Storm had earned every treat, belly rub, tennis ball and every soft place to rest that awaits him in civilian life with Bowles and his family.

“Storm, you have served with honor,” Russell said. “Now rest easy good boy because you have earned it.”