Obituary: Former New Canaan Police Chief Erik Dam

An obtuary from the Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home in Creve Coeur, MO:

Erik Dam, a former police chief in New Canaan, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014.

Beloved husband of Joan Dam (nee Flori), dear father of Erik C. (Robin), Russell (Kesinee) and Jamie, loving grandfather (in Danish: bedstefar) of Evan, Nicholas, Stephanie, Brady and Isabelle; loving brother, uncle and friend.

Erik served in the U.S. Coast Guard and received an associate’s degree from Manchester Community College. He graduated from University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice and from Webster College with a masters degree.

He began his law enforcement career in Manchester, then was chosen in a nationwide search as a police agent in the newly formed Lakewood, CO Police Department. From there he went on to the Sunset Hills, MO Police Department to become its first polce chief.

He later served as police chief in Englewood, OH and in New Canaan; qualifying both departments for national accreditation. During his career he attended the FBI National Academy and taught criminal justice courses at the University of Dayton and Miami University of Ohio.

Born in Connecticut of Danish parents he was proud of his heritage and customs. Traveling was a favorite pasttime of his, as was his love of the ocean, and he enjoyed boating on Long Island Sound and Buzzards Bay in his boat, the Aquavit.

Erik was an intellect, respected for his honesty, fairness and leadership in his professional as well as his personal life. He was 32 degree Mason, He also was a member of the FBI National Academy Association and International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 at the Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Lukes Hospital or St. Lukes Hospice Chesterfield, MO.

Photo of Erik Dam from the Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home website