Hemet Police Mourn Officer Who Died In His Sleep

HEMET, CA — A 39-year-old Hemet police officer who died in his sleep for reasons unknown was being mourned Wednesday by colleagues, friends and family.

Officer John Dombrowski of Hemet passed sometime in the predawn hours Tuesday, according to the Hemet Police Department.

"Officer Dombrowski served the city and its residents with class, honor and dignity," Capt. Michael Arellano said. "He will be greatly missed by his brothers and sisters in blue here at the Hemet Police Department. John Dombrowski is survived by his wife, son and daughter. Please join us in extending prayers and our deepest condolences to the Dombrowski family as they mourn their loss."

It was not immediately known whether an autopsy was pending.

The nine-year law enforcement veteran was hired by the city after completing training at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Training Academy in October 2013.

Dombrowski was a patrolman, but was assigned in 2017 to serve as a school resource officer, "where he impacted the lives of hundreds of students before returning to patrol in 2019," Arellano said.

There was no word on funeral arrangements.

The Hemet Police Department has established a memorial honoring Dombrowski at the Hemet Public Library parking lot, 300 E. Latham Ave. The memorial is open to all members of the public wishing to stop by and pay their respects, according to the department.