Farmington Officer Dies By Suicide, Police Department Says

FARMINGTON, MN — The Farmington Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Pete Zajac, a 15-year veteran of the force who died by suicide Tuesday night, officials said.

Zajac served the past two years as the school resource officer in the Farmington school district. He is survived by his wife and three children.

“Our entire police department family is in mourning and our hearts go out to his entire family,” the department said in a statement posted Wednesday. “His presence within our department and our community as a whole will be missed.”

The department also thanked neighboring law-enforcement agencies and community members for their support during what it called an “incredibly difficult time.”

Law enforcement agencies across Minnesota, including departments in Chaska, South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Zumbrota, and others, posted condolences, expressing heartbreak and support for the Farmington police community.

“Please take care of each other and reach out if you need help,” the Chaska Police Department wrote.

Community members and former students also shared memories of Zajac’s kindness and impact. One student said he was “a ray of sunshine in everyone’s day,” while another recalled how “he always made Farmington feel safe and never failed to make anyone smile.”

The nonprofit Invisible Wounds Project, which supports first responders, described Zajac as “a husband, a father, and a friend” whose legacy “will never be forgotten.”

The Farmington Police Department encouraged anyone struggling to call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.