Community members are mourning the loss of a longtime Minnetonka police officer who died over the weekend after a long battle with cancer.

The city says Sgt. Ryan Piper died Sunday from the disease.

He started with the department back in 1999 and served as a patrol officer, K-9 handler, field training officer, SWAT member, investigator and traffic unit officer before becoming a detective sergeant.

The city praised his life of service and dedication to his loved ones and the community.

“Even though you know it’s coming and he’s been sick for a long time, it was shocking,” Minnetonka Police Captain Andy Gardner said. “You think back to the old Billy Joel song ‘Only the Good Die Young,’ they don’t come better than Ryan Piper.”

Funeral arrangements for Sgt. Piper are still being worked out. He was 49 years old.

Click here to donate in support of Piper’s family.