Duty Death: John Kelly - [Albuquerque]
End of Service: 26/03/2015
By Ryan Boetel
Albuquerque Journal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police identified the officer who died Thursday of a medical issue as John Kelly.
Kelly has worked at Albuquerque police since 2006 as a detective and field training officer. Prior to joining APD he was in the U.S. Army and served in Afghanistan, according to police.
He was preparing to start a training exercise Thursday morning when he died unexpectedly. Police have said an autopsy will determine his cause of death, according to a police news release.
Kelly, who was in his mid-30s, had three children and three step children.
In 2008, Kelly was recognized for being the “officer of the month.”
At that time, APD said that Kelly was a self motivator and the first to volunteer to priority calls.
“His productivity is phenomenal and he is always a top producer in the squad,” APD said in a 2008 release about Kelly.
Police went on to say in the release that Kelly has exceptional decision-making skills and is unruffled in the face of chaos.
“When calling for additional backup in a crisis situation he remains extremely calm, which encourages those around him to do the same,” APD said.
Copyright 2015 the Albuquerque Journal