Retired Rosemount police officer dies

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Retired Rosemount Police Sergeant Jim O’Leary died unexpectedly Sept. 21. O’Leary worked for the Rosemount Police Department for 29 years. He retired in February 2009.

Police chief Eric Werner said O’Leary was respected by many in the law enforcement community for his hard work and dedication to the field. Werner said O’Leary will be greatly missed by many friends.

“His sudden loss will have a tremendous impact on his family and friends,” said Werner.

O’Leary grew up in Rosemount and started on the Rosemount police department as a reserve right out of high school. He later became a part-time officer and then, after going to college, took on a full-time position.

O’Leary was promoted to night supervisor in 1988 and held that role until he retired. As such, O’Leary made it a goal to get drunk drivers off the roads. Additionally O’Leary, along with members from neighboring police departments, helped start the Dakota County Traffic Safety Project, which was created to reduce the number of fatal, injury and alcohol-related crashes in the county.

When O’Leary started on the department there were only six officers. The department now has more than 20, many of whom O’Leary trained.

“Because of his work he had many friends from many departments and we are all deeply saddened by his loss,” said Werner.

O’Leary is survived by his wife, Gisele, daughter, Dana and grandchildren Quentin, Samantha and Tyler.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Rosemount Community Center. There will be a gathering of friends and family at 3 p.m.

Tags: news, rosemount, community