Minneapolis Police Officer Dies Of Stomach Cancer

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis Police Department announced Thursday the loss of one of its own officers.

Sergeant Jesse Garcia died early Thursday morning after a battle with stomach cancer. Garcia was a 24-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department and was most known for being the department's former public information officer.

Garcia grew up in St. Paul, and a benefit bike run and silent auction was held there in his honor earlier this month. About 75 bikers got a police escort and rode by Regions Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment.

Garcia was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in February. He was 48 years old and is survived by a 19-year-old son and infant daughter.

The Minneapolis Police Department issued a statement on his death Thursday morning.

"The Minneapolis Police Department mourns the loss of Sgt Jesse Garcia. Always difficult to lose member of our law enforcement family. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family," department officials said.

Lt. Bob Kroll with the Minneapolis Police Federation said he has been friends with Garcia since Garcia started with the Minneapolis Police Department in 1990.

"He is a cop's cop in every way, shape and form," Kroll said.

Kroll said funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.