PRESS RELEASE – Navajo Police Department mourns the loss of Officer Michael Lee

CHINLE, Ariz. – The Navajo Police Department is saddened to confirm the loss of Officer Michael Lee, a 29 year police veteran with the Chinle Police District. The family of Officer Lee notified the department of his passing early this morning.

“It is with great sorrow that the Navajo Police Department announces the passing of Officer Michael Lee. We are devastated and heartbroken.” Chief Phillip Francisco said. “Officer Lee was a husband, a father, a son and a protector of his community. We ask the public to join us in remembering his commitment and contribution to his community and to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers today.”

Officer Lee began his law enforcement career as a police recruit with the Navajo Police Academy in Toyei, Arizona in October 1990. In his 29 years of dedication with the department, Officer Lee was a patrol officer, a Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) officer, a supporter of the information technology component of the department, and he worked closely with the community. He began his career serving the Window Rock community for seven years and dedicated his remaining years to the Chinle community.

Officer Lee is survived by his wife and children. The Navajo Police Department is currently working with our state and local law enforcement partners regarding the procession for Officer Lee from Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona to Rollies Mortuary in Gallup, New Mexico.​

The Navajo Police Department confirms this is the first officer line of duty death as a result of COVID-19.