Holly MatkinPhoenix, AZ – Phoenix Police Department (PPD) Officer Mark Aker died in the line of duty on Wednesday after suffering a medical emergency while at work.
The PPD said in a Facebook post that the veteran officer experienced a “medical event” during his shift on May 10.
The department said he was not handling a call for service when the incident occurred, KNXV reported.
Officer Aker was rushed to a local hospital, but he did not survive.
His exact cause of death was not immediately released.
The PPD confirmed the tragic loss of Officer Aker the following day.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Officer Mark Aker #5884 who passed away from a medical event on-duty on May 10, 2023,” the police department said.
Officer Aker joined the department in 1994 and devoted the next 29 years of his life to serving his community.
He was assigned to the PPD’s Maryvale Estrella Mountain Precinct at the time of his death.
Hundreds of people offered their condolences to the PPD and Officer Aker’s family and friends in the wake of the department’s announcement.
“A life dedicated to public service, this is a true hero!” one message read. “I am so very sorry to his family, both blood and blue. Sending my deepest condolences.”
Another woman wrote about witnessing Officer Aker’s arrival at the hospital.
“We were in the Er when officer Aker was brought in. Very saddened for his family and his family in blue. Also very impressed as a civilian to see the support, love and devotion of his brothers and sisters in blue,” she said. “Prayers for his family and those many officers who loved him. The love and respect was very much felt and seen. RIP Officer Aker. And thank you to all the officers out there that put their lives on the line every day. God bless you all.”
A large showing of first responders and escorted Officer Aker’s body from Banner Estrella Medical Center to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office in downtown Phoenix on Wednesday night, KSAZ reported.
“Rest in peace Officer Aker; you will be dearly missed,” the PPD said.
I'm saddened by the sudden loss of @PhoenixPolice Officer Mark Aker, who passed away yesterday. Please join me in keeping his family in your thoughts during this difficult time. https://t.co/ANrbw9WT50
— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) May 11, 2023
PLEA statement regarding passing of Phoenix Police Officer Mark Aker pic.twitter.com/Ar0c9jL4wi
— AZPLEA (@azplea) May 11, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Phoenix Police Department Officer Mark Aker, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
