Salt Lake City, UT – Brigham City Police Department Assistant Chief Dennis Vincent died in the line of duty on Oct. 26, after he suffered two brain aneurysms while performing his annual fitness test on Oct. 18.

Chief Vincent, 53, had just completed his fitness test at the Box Elder High School track, when he collapsed, the Brigham City Police Department said in a Facebook post on Oct. 20.

He was rushed to a local hospital, and was then transported by air ambulance to the University of Utah Hospital’s Neuro Critical Care Unit.

Chief Vincent had suffered a “catastrophic aneurysm” and subsequent stroke, and “underwent brain surgery to stop the bleeding,” the department said.

“During the surgery, they discovered a second aneurysm,” the department explained at the time. “Everyone who knows Dennis knows what an amazing man he is. We love him and want him back healthy and whole again.”

He passed away eight days later, surrounded by his family, according to his obituary.

“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce that our friend and brother, Dennis Vincent, passed away this evening,” the department said in a Facebook post. “We are all forever changed from having known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

According to Brigham City Police Chief Michael Nelsen, Chief Vincent’s interest in law enforcement began when he was just a child, KSL reported.

Back then, he would hop on his bike and ride around the city, issuing self-made “tickets” for the various “offenses” he spotted, Chief Nelsen said.

Chief Vincent’s official law enforcement career began in 1990, when he joined the Willard Police Department, according to his obituary. He later served as the agency’s chief of police.

Chief Vincent spent time working for the Perry Police Department, and ultimately joined the Brigham City Police Department in 1994.

In addition to his duties as the assistant chief, he also served as the city’s Emergency Manager, and was Box Elder County’s medical examiner.

Chief Vincent was also an avid supporter of the Special Olympics’ Law Enforcement Torch Run, which he facilitated in the Box Elder County Area, according to his obituary.

He leaves behind his wife, Karrie-de, as well as his four sons, three grandchildren, parents, and siblings.

Chief Vincent will be laid to rest on Saturday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Brigham City Police Department Assistant Chief Dennis Vincent, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.