Hero Down: Danbury Police Sgt. David Cooney Succumbs To Leukemia

New York, NY – Danbury Police Department (DPD) Sergeant David Cooney died on Nov. 28 after a yearlong battle against cancer.

The 45-year-old sergeant was diagnosed with leukemia on Oct. 28, 2020, the News Times reported.

He underwent a bone marrow transplant shortly after his diagnosis, and continued working despite his treatments and medical struggles.

“He was special,” his wife, Dawn Evanuska-Cooney told the New Times. “He was so well liked and just a lovable, lovable guy.”

Sgt. Cooney, a 20-year veteran of the DPD, passed away at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City on Nov. 28.

DPD Detective Lieutenant Mark Williams announced the longtime Connecticut police sergeant’s death in a press release the following day.

Det. Lt. Williams noted Sgt. Cooney was “loved and highly respected” by everyone who knew him.

Sgt. Cooney served as president of the police union in the past, and was serving as supervisor of the department’s Crime Scene Unit at the time of his death.

He was also administrator for the DPD’s records management system and served as a liaison to several outside agencies during his most recent assignment.

“Dave had been a member of the Danbury Police family since birth,” Det. Lt. Williams said. “His father, Captain Dennis Cooney, served for 21 years before succumbing to a fatal heart attack while on duty in 1994.”

Evanuska-Cooney said the couple’s 14-year-old son, Jacob, also aspires to be a law enforcement officer, the News Times reported.

“His son is his little mini-me. He told me he wants to be a cop too,” she said. “They’re two peas in a pod.”

Sgt. Cooney also leaves behind is elder son, Justin, and his grandson, Carter, according to his obituary.

Additional survivors include his mother, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, his beloved dog, Barron, and many friends and extended family members.

“Dave will always be remembered for his dedicated service to the department and the city, and for his great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed,” Det. Lt. Williams said. “Please keep his family, friends, our department, and the community in your thoughts and prayers.”

Sgt. Cooney was laid to rest on Dec. 6.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Danbury Police Department Sergeant David Cooney, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

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