Placentia police lieutenant dies after going into cardiac arrest

PLACENTIA, Calif. (KABC) -- A Placentia police lieutenant died Sunday after going into cardiac arrest, police said.

Lt. Kenneth Alexander, 48, had been at St. Jude Hospital's Critical Care Unit since Tuesday and was on life support, Placentia police said. The department announced his death shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday on Twitter.

Alexander was a decorated Army veteran who served two tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. He was a Bronze Star recipient, and he also received the Medal of Valor in 1996 while working with the Los Angeles Housing Authority Police.

Alexander was also a longtime DARE and North County SWAT officer.

He is survived by his wife, three sons, mother, two brothers and sister.

Officers transported Alexander's body at 12 p.m. to McAulay & Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton. His funeral services are pending.