Holly MatkinKnoxville, TN – Morristown Police Department (MPD) Detective Sergeant Alfonso “Al” Herrera died on March 25, after battling an extended illness.
The 56-year-old sergeant passed away at the Parkwest Medical Center, according to his obituary.
Det. Sgt. Herrera immigrated to the United States from Coyoacan, Mexico, and became a U.S. citizen on Nov. 5, 1992, the MPD said in a Facebook post.
For over 24 years, he served his department as a patrol officer, special response team operator, narcotics agent, general assignment investigator, and investigations supervisor, while also working as a liaison between the MPD and the Latino community, the department noted.
Among his numerous commendations was a special recognition from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for his role in a large-scale narcotics investigation dubbed “Final Harvest.”
“His role in the investigation was cited as critical to the operation’s success,” the MPD said.
“Al was a valuable asset to his community and took his work very seriously, yet he carried out his work with compassion,” Morristown Police Chief Roger Overholt said in the release. “He always had a warm smile and ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Our MPD family will greatly miss him.”
Det. Sgt. Herrera leaves behind his wife, Robin, as well as his daughter, stepchildren, and grandchildren, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his mother, siblings, in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Morristown Police Department Detective Sergeant Alfonso “Al” Herrera, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.