Dennis Wesley, part-time police officer with the ACU Police Department, died Monday night of a heart attack.

Wesley, 64, retired from full-time police duty two years ago but served in a limited capacity when he was needed.

ACU Police Chief Jimmy Ellison said Wesley was a good man, a servant to the community and someone they could depend on.

“Dennis was always there to help out,” Ellison said. “He was extremely quiet and mild-mannered, but at the same time incredibly knowledgeable and a very experienced police officer.

Wesley was in law enforcement for more than 44 years. He worked as a patrol officer, detective, homicide investigator, SWAT team supervisor, patrol division supervisor, detective supervisor and detective division commander in police departments in Texas and New Mexico. He began working at the ACU Police Department in September 2005.

Ellison said Wesley was dedicated to his position, and had reached a high level of expertise in police work.

“Dennis was a good example of the wealth of experience and prior law enforcement careers the majority of our staff have,” Ellison said. “He was an old-school veteran cop. We’ll miss how he came to work every day with a smile and an attitude of service for ACU.”

The funeral service for Wesley was at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday.

Other police officers at the department grew close to Wesley after working with him for about seven years.

“He was a very reliable man and a great friend,” said Sergeant Bob Delony. “He and his wife were best friends. They did everything together.”

The university flag was flown at half-staff yesterday in honor of Wesley.