Plano

Plano police mourn the sudden death of retired officer

Tilley joined the Plano Police Department in 1998 and worked for nearly 11 years as the department's public information officer

Plano Police Public Information Officer David Tilley, retired, died Tuesday,  Nov. 26, 2024.
NBC 5 News

Plano police are mourning the death of retired public information officer David Tilley.

The department announced Tilley's death Tuesday night with a statement shared on social media.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of retired Plano Police Officer David Tilley, who died earlier today," Chief Ed Drain wrote in the statement. "The family has permitted us to share this tragic news, and they are understandably devastated by this unexpected loss."

Drain said Tilly retired from the department on Feb. 26, 2022, after 24 years with the department.

"David was not only a devoted husband and loving father but also a cherished friend and admirable officer with an unwavering commitment to his family and the community he served," Drain wrote. "David was a significant asset to the Plano Police Department. His professionalism and commitment to service were evident throughout his career."

Tilly's name may be familiar to people outside of Plano. For nearly 11 years, Tilley served as the department's public information officer, the liaison between the department and news media.

"Officer David Tilley's memory will continue to live on, and he will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him," Drain said.

Drain said a public visitation for Tilley will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 401 N. Elm Street in Sherman. The funeral service will be held at the church immediately following the visitation. The Plano Police Department Honor Guard will conduct an honors ceremony at the church following the funeral.

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