Farmington, MN — The Farmington community is grappling with the tragic loss of Officer Pete Zajac, a 15-year veteran of the Farmington Police Department and a dedicated school resource officer, who died by suicide late Tuesday. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Zajac had served as a school resource officer for Farmington Area Public Schools for the past two years, building trust and relationships with students, staff, and families. Colleagues remember him as a steadfast presence in both law enforcement and the local community.
“Our entire police department family is in mourning, and our hearts go out to his entire family,” the Farmington Police Department wrote on Facebook, noting that his contributions to the department and community will be deeply missed.
The department expressed gratitude to local law enforcement partners and community members who have offered support during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources. “We encourage anyone struggling to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We all face challenges in our life at one point or another,” the post read.
Officer Zajac’s death highlights the broader challenges faced by law enforcement personnel, including mental health stressors associated with high-pressure public safety roles. Studies from the National Institute of Justice and Police Executive Research Forum indicate that police officers experience higher rates of mental health struggles and suicide than the general population, underlining the importance of proactive support and counseling programs.
Community members, students, and colleagues have begun sharing tributes on social media, remembering Zajac’s humor, dedication, and care for those around him. One student wrote, “He always made us feel safe and cared about us—it’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
As Farmington mourns, officials and community leaders stress the need for vigilance around mental health and continued support for families and colleagues affected by this heartbreaking loss.
