Passing Of A GJ Officer

The Grand Junction Police Department announced Wednesday that one of its own has passed away.

Commander Greg Assenmacher died at his home Tuesday evening from apparent natural causes.

Commander Assenmacher started at the GJPD in 1981 as a police officer, and held nearly every position possible during his career, including narcotics investigator, detective, school resource officer, SWAT officer, bike team, Community Advocacy, and Field Training Officer. He became a commander in 2003, and led numerous investigations. Some of his most recent high-profile cases include the 2006 Robert Burke bombings, the 2008 Fuji Massage bust, and the arrest of Jerry Nemnich in 2009 for the 30-year-old murders of Linda and Kelly Benson.

Commander Assenmacher also received numerous awards and recognitions during his career, both from his colleagues within and outside the police department, and from members of the community.