Daly City, CA – Daly City Police Sergeant Alex Rohleder died unexpectedly at his home on July 16, according to his department.

Sgt. Rohleder, 43, was recovering from a recent surgery when he passed away in his sleep, according to a fundraiser established to help his family.

“Alex was special in many ways and touched so many people in his life,” the Daly Police Department said in a Facebook post. “He was an outstanding crime fighter who kept his community safe while always offering an empathetic ear to people during their most difficult time.”

Sgt. Rohleder, a Marine Corps veteran, began his law enforcement career in 1999, when he joined the San Bruno Police Department, his obituary read.

He was hired by the Daly City Police Department in 2003, where he served as a detective, field training officer, patrol officer and SWAT team member.

In 2011, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and went on to supervise the agency’s Crime Suppression Unit. Most recently, he served in the Daly PD’s Patrol Division.

“He lived his life for his family, friends, co-workers, the Marines and his home and adopted communities of San Bruno and Daly City,” the department said. “Alex was loved by all of us and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Sgt. Rohleder called his wife, Nancy, his “soulmate,” according to his obituary.

He also leaves behind his son, Adrian, his mother, Lidia, and his sister, Veronika.

“Alex could make anyone feel loved through his humor and antics,” Sgt. Rohleder’s obituary read. “He enjoyed nothing more than having a group of people over for a BBQ, sit by his beloved pond, light his firepit, and tell stories while watching the sun set in what he called God’s county. Alex claimed that no matter where he went in life, his heart would always be in San Bruno.”

He was laid to rest on Sunday.

A fundraising account has been established to assist Rohleder’s family in the wake of their loss.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Daly City Police Sergeant Alex Rohleder, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

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