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Grand Junction Police Mourn Loss of Commander

by KREX News Room
by Jim Daly
by Meaghan Wallace

Story Created: Jan 30, 2013 at 11:47 AM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 30, 2013 at 11:46 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Grand Junction police are mourning the loss of a longtime member of the department.

Commander Greg Assenmacher passed away at his home on Tuesday evening, apparently of natural causes.

Police say he was legendary within the department, having served in nearly every position since joining the GJPD in 1981.

Those who worked with Assenmacher say he was passionate about his job and life.

"I was going to be testing for the chiefs job. My family was out of town, and it also happened to be my birthday. He realized that I was in town and nobody was around, so he calls me and asks me to meet him at Boston's for a beer. To celebrate my birthday, and help calm me down for my interview. He just did that because he cared more about other people than he did about himself. He was just a lot of fun, he cared about everybody else," said John Camper, chief of police with the Grand Junction Police Department.

He became a commander in 2003, and led several high-profile investigations that many residents will remember. These include the 2006 bombings by Robert Burke, the 2008 bust of the Fuji Massage Parlor and the 2009 arrest of Jerry Nemnich for two murders committed more than three decades earlier.

In a statement, Police Chief John Camper described Assenmacher's many community efforts and outreach activities as "unparalleled."

Camper says Greg Assenmacher was a kind and giving man, and that he will be deeply missed for years to come.

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Lt. Bohlin said on Wednesday, Jan 30 at 4:30 PM

This is Earth, no one gets out alive.

Me 2.0 said on Wednesday, Jan 30 at 5:22 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with this mans family, and the department on their loss.

Just Say-In said on Wednesday, Jan 30 at 9:50 PM

GJPD has very few good Cops, and has less good Supervisors. Greg was one of the good ones. Very sad, hearts & prayers to the family, friends and co-workers. He will be missed. A huge hole is now left in the agency.

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