About Frank Turek

Frank was born in New York and moved to Colorado at the age of seven. He was dedicated, from a young age, to becoming a police officer and joined the Explorers Program during high school. He married Val and joined the Federal Heights, Colorado Police Department in 1990.

During his 31-year career, he oversaw the Field Training Officer program, the traffic unit, off-duty employment coordination, provided a security partnership for Hyland Hills Water World, and worked to build morale through department softball, volleyball, and team activities.

More importantly, he was known for his unwavering dedication to officer safety.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Valery; his children, Jacquelyn, Michael, and Brittany; his sons-in-law, Will and Dante; daughter-in-law, Krystal; and his cherished grandchildren.

Frank’s greatest joy in life was his family. Even after demanding days, he prioritized laughter, games, and shared experiences. One of the family’s favorite traditions was spending time at Water World after his off-duty shifts, creating lasting memories filled with fun and connection. He truly worked hard but played even harder, embodying the spirit of someone who remained a kid at heart.

As a grandfather, Frank’s love only grew deeper. He took great pride in each of his grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives. He could often be found cheering them on at sports games and performances, celebrating their accomplishments, or simply enjoying time together. Whether at big moments or everyday ones, Frank valued being present. He never missed a chance to enjoy the nice weather, appreciate life’s small details, and create meaningful memories with those he loved.

Throughout his 31-year career as a police officer, Frank served his community with dedication and compassion, positively impacting countless lives. He went above and beyond to ensure others were cared for, especially families in need during the holidays. His commitment to protecting and uplifting others extended far beyond his profession — it was simply who he was.

Frank’s unwavering support and deep care have left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing his love continues to surround them, and that his protective spirit will always remain close.

EOW 3/28/2022

Kind Words

“My husband and I felt so privileged to help Frank and his lovely family over the last 5 years with the wonderful Christmas toy drive Frank held for children in Federal Heights. You could see how much the children in that community meant to him. He was always so gracious to allow us to share in this event. Our thoughts and prayers are with his lovely family in this difficult time.”

-Cindy Maxey 04/07/2022

“Still struggling and heartbroken, trying to find the right words. Frank was an amazing man. Many have said he was a cop’s cop. This is true. But he was also a citizen’s cop, especially for the children. And a dispatcher’s cop! Frank always took the time to stop by dispatch and check in. Offering a smile, sharing a laugh or two, and providing a break if needed. 18 years ago I started at Federal Heights. Frank was kind and welcoming. Answering so many questions for this new dispatcher with zero experience. Frank’s passion was officer/responder safety. He taught me how to keep this paramount in all my duties. Frank had a hand in everything. FTO, Reserves, Water World, Christmas for the Kids, and so much more. Always so active on and off duty. Definitely the best role model to follow and try to emulate. Thank you Frank for your guidance, knowledge, but most of all your friendship. You will not be forgotten. You are missed! Your legacy lives on in all of us who had the privilege to know you. May you rest in peace. 🖤💙🖤”

-Martha Nichols 04/07/2022

“I have been trying since I heard the news about Frank to come up with a word that could describe what he meant to us. The best I can come with is—constant. Frank was a friend and neighbor for 30 yrs and he was constantly there for everyone. He was always there for the neighborhood kids to play with and listen to, to help dig cars out of the snow, to help catch the person breaking into our neighborhood cars or to show up at the hospital in the middle of the night when my husband was injured in the line of duty. We feel incredibly lucky to have had Frank’s friendship all these years and hope that we continue to be a constant presence for his family like he always was for so many people.”

-Dana and Pat Long 04/07/2022

“I have had the pleasure of both Frank and Val helping me with victim services through the years, holiday food baskets and Santa presents. Frank was always first to volunteer and my biggest supporter, his heart was bigger than the world. You definitely will be missed.”

-Annette Lerch 04/07/2022