Brighton Police Department Cmdr. Frank Acosta passed away of natural causes, the city announced Sept. 23.

Acosta joined the police department in February 2000. Before that, he was a state trooper for eight years.

Acosta was a patrol officer, a detective for the North Metro Drug Task Force, a patrol sergeant, an investigations sergeant, an investigations commander and most recently, as commander of the department’s professional services unit. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the 82^nd airborne stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

He earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Regis University and a bachelor’s degree in management from National American University.

“This is a horrible loss and we all feel the pain,” said Brighton Police Chief Paul Southard in a press statement. “Commander. Acosta was such a bright light loved by all in our department. He served our community with such dedication over the past 22, years and we are forever grateful for his commitment.”

Survivors include his parents; his wife, Kandy; 10 children; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.