Holly MatkinCalera, AL – Calera Police Department (CPD) Officer Robbie Lee Tackett died unexpectedly on March 28, according to his family.
CPD said in a Facebook post the following day that the 29-year-old officer passed away from natural causes.
The agency did not provide any additional details regarding the young officer’s cause of death.
Officer Tackett served with the Bessemer Police Department before joining the CPD in August of 2019, according to his department.
“Robbie was an exceptional police officer who served with honor and dedication,” the agency said. “Please keep Robbie’s family, friends and coworkers in your prayers.”
Officer Tackett was an active member of the Explorer youth program during his time with the CPD and had “an immediate positive effect” serving in that role, the CPD said.
“He had a huge heart for the kids in the community, and made a great impact on many kids’ lives,” according to his obituary.
He was passionate about his career, CPD Chief David Hyche told the Shelby County Reporter.
“Officer Robbie Tackett loved being a police officer,” Chief Hyche said. “He never came to work and just went through the motions. He always pushed himself and those around him to aggressively enforce the law but also to help and mentor those in need.”
Officer Tackett leaves behind his wife, Shelby, and his two-year-old daughter, McKinley, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, grandparents, uncle, and cousin.
Officer Tackett was laid to rest on Friday.
The CPD has established a fundraising account to help his family in the wake of their loss.
HEARTBREAKING 💔 The City of Calera is mourning the death of @CaleraPolice Officer Robbie Tackett.https://t.co/fjTQzwTHOw pic.twitter.com/sPX905yeVn
— #WVTM13 (@WVTM13) March 29, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Calera Police Department Officer Robbie Lee Tackett, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
