Dennis Joseph O'Connor

A Southgate native and a graduate of Schaefer High School, Dennis was a decorated police officer with the Trenton Police Department for 25 years. He was hired on March 27, 1989 as a patrol officer, Dennis rose through the ranks, serving in the Detective Bureau, Traffic Bureau, and was promoted to Lieutenant October 2010 of the Patrol division, where he remained until his retirement on April 21, 2014. While serving with TPD, Dennis was a “DARE” officer and worked in the Downriver Area Narcotics Organization (DRANO). His many honors included receiving the Medal of Valor in 2001, being awarded Police Officer of the year, being recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and was the Valedictorian at Eastern Michigan University’s Police Staff and Command Program in 2010. Dennis was well liked and respected by his fellow officers in Trenton and throughout the Metro Detroit area.

Prior to Trenton PD, Dennis served in the Sumpter Township PD for 5 years.

In addition to his passion for serving the public as a law enforcement officer, Dennis was always quick to share his sense of humor in the enjoyment he always found in life. He was a friend to many and a Doberman lover who vacationed in Las Vegas often and dream of retiring there and that someday happened in October 2014. He played guitars and spent time indulging his love of music and watching football. Every year during Whale season, since his 40th birthday, he spent time in his favorite place, Maui Hawaii.

Dennis is one of five children of John and Sally O’Connor, long time Southgate residents and both now deceased and is survived by his wife Dr. Cecilia O’Connor, daughter Kristy Morgan, stepson Brett Titus and Kyle Mayrand, stepdaughters Rachel Mayrand, Kristen Mayrand and sisters Mary Ann Collingwood, Roseanne Menard and Andrea O’ Connor.

Celebration of Life arrangements in Trenton are pending.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the O'Connor family.