Westminster PD

From Westminster to Ireland: Honoring a Fallen Hero

Some stories are simply too meaningful not to share.

Recently, one of our officers had the privilege of accompanying a Korean War veteran on his final journey home ... 79 years after his death in service to our country.

For our officer, this was more than an opportunity to honor a fallen service member. U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas J. O’Brien was his wife's great-uncle, making the journey deeply personal for their family.

Originally from Ireland, Sgt. O’Brien immigrated to the United States before joining the military. He was killed during the Korean War, and for decades his remains were among those listed as unknown.

In the summer of 1954, during Operation Glory, North Korea returned remains believed to have been recovered from various grave sites to the United Nations Command. Unidentified service members were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.

More than 60 years later, in March 2018, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) exhumed the remains of an unidentified service member for further analysis. Through laboratory testing and extensive research, scientists were able to positively identify Sgt. O’Brien.

In June 2026, Sgt. O’Brien’s remains were returned from Hawaii to Los Angeles, where they were received by family members. He was then escorted to Ireland, where three U.S. service members, our WPD officer and his family joined together to ensure he received a proper burial.

After nearly eight decades, Sgt. O’Brien is finally home. What an honor to pay tribute to a soldier whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Read more at www.westminsterpdnews.com

Happening on Saturday! Details below

CASE UPDATE | Recently, Colorado's 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced the conviction of Jesse Gladney, 38, for First-Degree Murder related to a 2024 fatal shooting in Westminster.

Back in June 2024, officers responded to reports of a disturbance involving a man and a woman at a hotel located near 120th Ave and Melody Dr. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle which left the area before officers arrived.

Shortly after, ThorntonPD received reports about a woman who had been shot in a car, matching the original incident stemming in Westminster. Officer located and arrested suspect, later identified as Gladney. Our detectives worked tirelessly to gather evidence, establish the facts of the case, and present their findings to the District Attorney’s Office.

On July 31, an Adams County District Court Judge sentenced Gladney to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This was a horrific act of violence, and we’re grateful to everyone who worked to bring justice to the victim and her loved ones.

Read the full release at https://ow.ly/kPik50ZyhNS

Not a bad place for a training session!

Our Animal Management team spent some time at the Butterfly Pavilion getting up close with butterflies, insects and even a few tarantulas ... including some connected to one of our cases from a couple of years ago!

Huge thanks to the Butterfly Pavilion staff for helping our team learn more about these incredible critters so we can better serve our community. Trainings like this are crucial for our team because we encounter just about everything on the job.

A few days left to get your application in! Join today!

- Full-time benefited
- Salary: $80k - $119k
- FPPA

Important Dates:
- Application Closes: 8/10 at 8:30 am
- In-Person Written Test: 8/13 at 6 pm
- Phone Screens: 9/2
- Oral Board Interviews: 9/10

Apply Here: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/westminsterco

*Email Investigator Cohen at [email protected] for a study guide / more information

This event is a blast every year, so don't miss it!

Swing by the Public Safety Center (9110 Yates St) on Saturday, Sept. 26 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for our Open House! There will be safety resources, demos, tours, games and more!

The Westminster Fire Department and City of Westminster, Colorado - Government will be there too!

Stop sticks successful, stolen vehicle recovered, driver arrested

Recently, officers were alerted to a stolen vehicle traveling through Westminster. Instead of pulling over like you're supposed to do, the driver took off ... which we anticipated. Stop sticks were deployed and the vehicle was brought to a stop shortly after.

The 34-year-old driver bailed on foot, but was quickly caught and taken into custody without incident. During the arrest, officers also located drugs and drug paraphernalia.

The good news? Another stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its rightful owner, and another offender is off the streets.

Nice work, Patrol.

It's important to note all persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Don't forget about our low cost pet vaccination clinic with Spay2Day, Colorado Pet Pantry and Westy Dog Park Guardians happening soon!

When: Saturday, August 15 | 9 AM - 1 PM
Where: West View Recreation Center

Dog Services:
- Rabies Vaccine: $20
- Bordetella: $25
- Leptospirosis*: $25
- Distemper/Parvo: $20
- Microchip: $30
- Pyrantel (Dewormer): $5

Cat Services:
- Rabies Vaccine: $20
- FVRCP: $20
- Feline Leukemia*: $25
- Microchip: $30
- Pyrantel (Dewormer): $5

SpayToday Healthy Pet Center will be on-site administering vaccines and all leashed dogs and restrained cats are welcome! You do not need to be a Westminster resident to participate and there is no appointment necessary. Please bring any previous vaccine records.

Due to clinic volume, there may be a wait for pet vaccinations.

More info: www.westminsterpdnews.com

Congratulations on your retirement!!

After serving for 35 years (22 of those years with ), Senior Police Officer David Carrillo is officially retiring! Throughout his time here, Officer Carrillo served in Patrol, answering countless 911 calls and building lasting relationships with our residents and local businesses. In 2020, he received the department's Meritorious Service Award for his actions during a domestic violence incident involving a knife. Prior to coming to Westminster, Officer Carrillo served with the Dallas Police Department for 13 years.

In his retirement letter, he wrote in part, "I have truly enjoyed my time here serving the community and protecting the citizens of this city. I will miss the friendships and comradery with all the members of the department that I have made over my career here."

Please join us in congratulating Officer Carrillo on his well-earned retirement and thanking him for 35 years of service.

We'll miss you around here, sir. Congratulations, and enjoy retirement!

Thank you, Westminster! It is a privilege to serve this community and we are so grateful for the support from our neighbors. We had a great time last night for National Night Out!