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Steve Beland, a Lowell police officer, died unexpectedly on Friday, May 12 in Tyngsborough, according to his obituary.
The 54-year-old served the Lowell Police Department in different capacities since 1993.
Beland worked as a K-9 officer with his canine partner Vopo, as a member of the department’s original Gang Unit, and most recently was assigned to Car 5 in Lowell’s Highlands neighborhood, according to the Lowell Police.
Born in Lowell, Beland spent the last 27 years of his life living in Tyngsborough, where he was a communicant of St. Mary Magdalen Parish.
He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence in 1986 where he "excelled" in track and field, according to his obituary.
Beland earned his bachelor's degree from Merrimack College and would go on to earn his master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.
Beland practiced and taught karate, took pride in taking care of his lawn and his home, and enjoyed vacationing and going on cruises with friends and family.
His 13-year-old daughter Lily "was his life," his obituary said. He assisted as a cross country and track and field coach at her school and loved flow-riding with Lily at Jay Peak Resort in Vermont.
"Steve was a genuine family man who was dedicated to his wife, daughter, and mother," his obituary reads.
Beland leaves behind a loving extended family, including his wife Jennifer, his mother Nancy, his daughter Lily, and his brother, Gerard.
His visitation is scheduled for Sunday, May 21, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the M. R. Laurin & Son Funeral Home in Lowell.
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