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The Tullahoma Police Department will honor K9 Storm during a retirement ceremony on October 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the police department headquarters, 213 W. Grundy St.

K9 Storm is retiring after two years of distinguished service with the Tullahoma Police Department and a total of six years in law enforcement. Throughout his career, he has served alongside his handler, Corporal Derek Bowles, protecting the citizens of Tullahoma with exceptional skill and loyalty.

During his two-and-a-half years of service to Tullahoma, K9 Storm demonstrated remarkable proficiency in narcotics detection, tracking suspects, building searches, and community engagement. His work has been instrumental in numerous narcotics seizures that resulted in arrests and convictions in both state and federal courts. The canine’s efforts on patrol led to multiple vehicle seizures and the confiscation of tens of thousands of dollars in cash during drug-related investigations.

K9 Storm physically apprehended seven suspects during his career and was deployed in more than 40 additional suspect encounters that resulted in voluntary surrenders. In these deployments, Storm’s presence as a force multiplier allowed officers to take suspects into custody without resorting to additional force.

Among his notable operations, K9 Storm assisted the Warren County Sheriff’s Office in locating and apprehending a subject wanted in a shooting incident. In another critical incident, Storm was deployed as a pain compliance measure when officers struggled with a suspect over a firearm, successfully diffusing the situation without serious injury to anyone involved.

K9 Storm’s excellence extended to competitive performance, earning recognition at multiple police K9 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 K9 Competition in 2024.

Beyond operational duties, K9 Storm served as an ambassador for the department, demonstrating versatility in community engagement. He safely transitioned from suspect apprehension work to public demonstrations, participating in the Tullahoma Police Department’s National Night Out events, Tractor Supply Company’s Hometown Heroes Event, and conducting demonstrations at numerous public and private schools and preschools throughout the community.

Mayor Lynn Sebourn will present a proclamation recognizing K9 Storm for his outstanding service during the retirement ceremony. The proclamation commends Storm’s unwavering dedication, courage, and distinction throughout his exemplary law enforcement career, noting that his faithful service exemplifies the highest standards of dedication, bravery, and commitment to duty.

The retirement ceremony is open to the public.