DUBLIN — Toft Jessen, the seemingly indestructible retired Oakland police officer who was still an inspiration to past and current officers some 40 years after he left the force, died Monday night at age 104.
He died in his sleep at his Dublin home where he had recently returned to after being hospitalized weeks ago for an illness.
Jessen was the oldest living retired Oakland police officer and possibly the oldest retired law enforcement officer in the country.
He was born April 15, 1921 in San Leandro and was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 21, 1943. Before that he had been playing in the New York Yankees minor leagues. During his military service, he participated in the D-Day landings in France on June 6, 1944 as part of a U.S. Army glider squadron executing advance missions for Allied troops landing on the Normandy coast. For his service, he was awarded France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honor in September 2023.
After his military service, he joined the Oakland Police Department in October 1947 and retired in August 1984, serving his entire career in the patrol division where he helped train and mentor many officers. In April 1970, he and another officer were shot multiple times when they were ambushed near Edes and Cary avenues in East Oakland while in a marked prisoner transport vehicle by some men linked to a radical group. He returned to full duty after a recovery period of many months, which fellow officers considered a sign of his bravery and dedication.
Despite his failing health, his death still deeply saddened those who knew him.
Retired Oakland police Officer Tim Sanchez said there is “no doubt” Jessen was still an inspiration and highly respected.
Recalling how Jessen had been shot on duty, recovered and later returned to work, and dedicated his life to pubic service, Sanchez said Jessen showed “that no matter how hard this job seemed like when we were doing it, you can still look forward to a long and prosperous life.”
Sgt. Huy Nguyen, president of the Oakland police officers’ union, said Jessen will be “missed by many.”
“His stories are currently still talked about around the department, not just about his time with OPD, but with all he had accomplished with his life,” Nguyen said. “He has been an inspiration to many, and his legacy will live on forever. Not just for the commitment he had to the department, but also with his dedication to his country.”
Until a few weeks ago, Jessen had attended weekly luncheons of retired officers at Harry’s Hofbrau in San Leandro, including one in April that celebrated his 104th birthday that was attended by dozens of past and current Oakland police officers, including Chief of Police Floyd Mitchell, and others where he basked in their obvious esteem and respect for him.
He told this publication at the luncheon he did not really have a formulae for living so long, except that he did not drink alcohol in abundance and only smoked cigars. He said being honored at the luncheon felt “very good,” especially since he thought of himself “as just another person.”
Funeral services are pending.