Memorial to Officer David J. Chetcuti

On April 25, 1998, the Millbrae Police Department and our community experienced the most devastating tragedy in the City's history. We lost an instrumental and valued member of our ranks. We lost a friend and partner. We lost Officer David J. Chetcuti when he was slain doing what he loved and did best, helping others.

On April 25th, Officer David Chetcuti responded to a call for help from a San Bruno Police Officer on southbound Highway 101 just north of Millbrae Avenue. During a traffic stop, the San Bruno Officer was confronted by a man with a high-powered rifle. Officer Chetcuti responded to the call for help on his police motorcycle. Officer Chetcuti was well known for his quick response to calls for help and being the first to arrive on the scene of an accident.

Officer Chetcuti confronted the suspect and there was an exchange of gunfire. Officer Chetcuti was able to wound the suspect before he was mortally wounded by return fire. He died at the scene. The suspect fled the area southbound on Highway 101. With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol, Marvin Sullivan was apprehended on the eastern end of the San Mateo Bridge.

At the time of his arrest, Sullivan was in possession of multiple weapons and pipe bombs. Because of the heroic actions of Officer Chetcuti, an unknown number of lives may have been saved.

David John Chetcuti was born in San Francisco on March 5, 1955. He was the youngest of seven children born to John and Lily Chetcuti. Dave graduated from Capuchino High School in San Bruno and later joined the Millbrae Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer in November of 1983.

In April of 1987, Dave was hired as a Deputy Sheriff with the Alameda County Sheriff's Department. He moved to the Millbrae Police Department in December of 1987, shortly after graduating from Alameda County's 91st Basic Academy.

Dave married his wife in 1979 and together they had three sons. He was a dedicated husband and father, often taking his sons fishing, hunting, and boating. Dave also occupied his off-duty time working on "Hot Rod" cars and was an accomplished woodworker.

Over his distinguished eleven-year career, Dave has consistently performed as an outstanding officer and leader. His assignments included Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and most recently, Traffic Officer. In 1992, Dave was the first officer from the Millbrae Police Department to receive recognition for the highest number of drunk driving arrests during the "Avoid the 23" campaign. In 1995, he received the department's Lifesaving Award for initiating CPR on a heart attack victim. Over the years Dave has received more than 33 written commendations and has been named in countless news stories reporting arrests, investigations, and outstanding achievements.

In addition, Dave was active in the Millbrae Police Officer's Association, previously serving as the organization's President. He was also a member of the Peninsula Police Officer's Association. He was a friend to everyone, a devoted husband and father, and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Dave was a consummate professional and deeply respected Police Officer.

We will miss him....