Deceased Bellevue Officer Was SWAT Veteran, Patrol Leader

BELLEVUE, WA - The Bellevue police officer who died unexpectedly over Memorial Day weekend leaves behind a long record that includes being one of the longest serving members of the city's SWAT team. Sgt. Danny Young, 48, was found dead at his Bellevue home on Saturday, according to the department. His career with the department stretches back almost 23 years.

Young was first hired by the department in October 1995, and three years later became a field training officer. In that role, he trained new patrol officers on the street. In 1999, he joined Bellevue's SWAT team. He was a member of the SWAT team up until his death, and was one of its longest serving members, according to Bellevue public information officer Seth Tyler. In 2010, he helped the department apply for a $25,000 federal grant for ballistic vests for the team.

In 2003, Young was assigned to work on the department's special enforcement team, which conducted investigations into repeat criminal offenders in Bellevue. In 2007, he was given the department's Commander's Award and was promoted to lieutenant. After that, he became the supervisor of a division of patrol officers. In 2016, the department reclassified all lieutenants to the rank of sergeant, Tyler said.

There are no plans yet for a public service for Young, although the department is working on arrangements for a larger memorial. Although Young's cause of death was under investigation, Bellevue police do not suspect the circumstances of his death are suspicious.

Image via Bellevue police