The Town of Tonawanda Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own.
The department says 33-year-old Thomas Diehl Sr. was a police lieutenant.
Diehl passed away Monday in Roswell Park Cancer Institute after a yearlong battle with leukemia. The illness forced him to take medical leave from the department.
Now, the department is honoring Diehl by posthumously promoting him to captain and will retire his badge number.
Diehl was also active in youth hockey. He coached several teams, including the Kenmore East High School hockey team when it won state championships in 2012 and 2016.
Diehl is survived by his wife, Dawn, his four children, his parents and a sister.
The public is invited to attend the Liturgy of the Word service at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Amelia Catholic Church, 2999 Eggert Road, Town of Tonawanda.
