Retired Provo Police officer passes away after year-long battle with cancer

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — The Provo community is in mourning today as Provo City Police announced the passing of one of their own after a year-long battle with stomach cancer.

“With heavy hearts, we are sad to announce the passing of retired officer, Paul Janda,” Provo Police said on Facebook.

Police reported that Janda passed early in the morning on Friday, Sept. 13, surrounded by his family, friends, and colleagues.

He was a veteran of nearly 30 years with Provo Police. According to a GoFundMe started to help Janda’s family, he was still working through end-stage terminal cancer to make sure his family was taken care of.

Several Provo residents took to the comments sections of the Facebook post, including those closest to Janda and those he made significant impacts on.

“I have known a lot of police officers, and [Paul] Janda always stood out among them. To me, he showed up as someone who genuinely cared. He showed interest in me as an individual and cared about my success,” one commenter said.

Another commenter said that he would be missed dearly.

“He is truly a great man and will be missed dearly. To all his family, please know how much of an impact he made on me and so many others. He gave me hope when I had none. I will never forget him,” the commenter said.

Funeral arrangements for Officer Janda have not been announced, and the GoFundMe to help his family with final expenses is still active, you can still donate to help the family with final expenses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.