State Senator Bill Lieske (Lonsdale) issued the following statement regarding news of the passing of Farmington Police Officer Pete Zajac:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Officer Pete Zajac of the Farmington Police Department. His death is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family, his fellow officers, the students whose lives he touched, and the entire Farmington community as they grieve this tremendous loss.

“I didn’t know Officer Zajac personally, but I know many of the men and women who wear the badge. They face pressures most of us will never fully understand. The combination of traumatic experiences, long hours, and the cultural expectation to stay tough creates a perfect storm that puts incredible strain on their mental health. They usually carry the weight of those experiences quietly. Too often, they carry them alone. 

 “This tragedy is a painful reminder that we need to do a better job of supporting the people who protect us. First responder mental health needs to be a true priority; it is an issue for which we need more resources, not fewer. I hope we can move forward with a renewed commitment to that mission. 

“Please join me in praying for Officer Zajac and his family.”