Community Remembers Retired Broomfield Police Cmdr. Dale Sarno

BROOMFIELD, CO — Throughout his career, Broomfield Police Department Commander Dale Sarno received more than 75 commendations for his service. After a successful career that spanned 39 years, Sarno retired, and his contributions to the community will never be forgotten, the police department said. Sarno passed away on May 30 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

In a public tribute, the Broomfield Police Department outlined Sarno's many accomplishments. He was hired in 1978 as a patrol officer, and eventually joined the mounted horse patrol, focusing on traffic safety and helping Broomfield's youth, police said.

In 1988, Sarno was selected as a Senior Police Officer, and he continued to hone his technical accident investigation skills, the department said. He also helped many young officers develop their own careers.

Sarno was promoted to sergeant in 1994 and worked in the Patrol Division Unit, before he was reassigned to the Community Affairs Unit in 1997, the department said.

"Sergeant Sarno was instrumental in directing police service within schools and the Department’s Animal Services Unit. In April 1998, Sergeant Sarno was named 'Supervisor of the Year' for his leadership," the Broomfield Police Department said in a statement posted to social media. "A short time later, Sergeant Sarno was promoted to commander."

Sarno was assigned to the Community Affairs Unit, Patrol Division, Investigations Division, Training & Standards Unit, Special Operations Division, and Information and Court Services Division, the department said.

"Commander Sarno was primarily responsible for the police department obtaining its state accreditation from the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police in 2011," the department stated. "He was also instrumental in bringing new technology to the Department."

"It would be impossible to determine how many officers’ careers were enhanced because of Commander Sarno’s mentoring and leadership. His family, the community, and the men and women of the Broomfield Police Department will miss him greatly."

There will be a Celebration of Life for Commander Sarno in Broomfield on June 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chateau at Fox Meadows, 13600 Xavier Lane.