Golden Valley Police Sergeant Remembered, ‘He Treated Everyone with Dignity and Respect’

Friends, family and law enforcement from near and far paid tribute on Tuesday to a husband, father and longtime member of the Golden Valley Police Department.

Golden Valley police Sgt. Terry Sleavin died June 3 after a battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.

“Terry instilled a culture not only of excellence in policing but also of compassion and humanity,” said officer Dan Wilcox, who worked with Sleavin. “During the 12 years I worked with Terry, I never saw him lose his temper. I did see him make personal connections with everyone on his calls. He treated everyone with dignity and respect, exactly as he taught us to do.”

A tribute to Sgt. Terry Sleavin outside Calvary Church in Golden Valley.

A memorial service was held Tuesday at Calvary Church in Golden Valley.

Robert Zarrett became best friends with Sleavin while they worked as Golden Valley officers. He shared stories of Sleavin’s love of cars and hair-metal bands, noting a Dokken concert they attended just a couple months ago.

Zarrett said his appreciation and deep respect for Sleavin and his wife, Jen, also a Golden Valley police officer, extended to how they conducted themselves on the job.

“Terry and Jen were always cops I wanted to work with,” said Zarrett. “They never left you hanging. They were always quick to back you up on a call.”

Police from as far away as Garland, Tex., showed up to honor Sleavin and provide support to the Golden Valley Police Department.

Sleavin served the Golden Valley Police Department for more than 20 years and spent 30 years in law enforcement overall. He was a SWAT operator in Golden Valley for many years and served as a patrol union president, said Zarrett.

Sleavin is survived by his wife and two children.

Golden Valley