Hopkins Police Honor One of Their Own

are honoring one of their fellow officers who died of cancer last week.

Brian G. DeDomines, 48, of Prior Lake, was with the for seven-and-a-half years—serving as a patrol officer, field training officer, firearms instructor and Sniper on the S.W.A.T Team.

DeDomines was a fun-loving person who was extremely proficient as an officer, recalled Capt. Tony Hanlin, the Police Department’s operations captain. He had a positive attitude and was always ready with a joke. But he was also a consummate professional who excelled at calming people down in crisis situations.

“Brian was an outstanding officer. He had an incredible way of dealing with people—extremely likable,” Hanlin said. “His people skills were outstanding, and in my experience, people skills can make or break you in this job.”

The Hopkins Police Department began honoring DeDomines soon after his death. Officers are wearing bands over their badges in his memory, and flags at and the are at half staff.

Hopkins officers stood as casket guards at the funeral home between 3 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday, said Tony Hanlin, the Police Department’s operations captain. During that time, the squad car that DeDomines drove was parked outside in his honor.

A procession of Hopkins squad cars will escort the casket to the funeral service, which takes place at 11 a.m. Monday at (9600 163rd Street, Lakeville). Eight Hopkins officers will serve as pallbearers. S.W.A.T. snipers will perform a gun salute at the service.