St. Paul, MN – The St. Paul Police Department is reeling from two heartbreaking losses within the span of just 12 hours. Chief Axel Henry shared the devastating news in a Friday email to staff, writing, “The last 12 hours have not been kind to our St. Paul Police Department family. I’m sorry to be writing you with more devastating news.”

The department confirmed that Officer Eric McArthur, 45, passed away early Friday morning after an apparent heart attack at his home. Less than a day earlier, retired Sergeant Don Grundhauser, 55, lost his courageous battle with stage 4 colon cancer.

Officer Eric McArthur: A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Eric McArthur, affectionately known as “Mac” or “The General,” had a long and distinguished career in public service. Before joining the St. Paul Police Department nearly a decade ago, he worked as a dispatcher with the Bloomington Police Department. Since 2021, he had been a member of the department’s K-9 unit, serving alongside his loyal partner, Finn.

McArthur’s dedication to duty extended beyond policing. He served 20 years with the Army National Guard, deploying three times to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. His colleagues admired his leadership, courage, and unwavering sense of responsibility.

In 2020, McArthur was among four officers honored with a Life Saving Award for his extraordinary efforts to save a young stabbing victim. Earlier this year, he and Finn earned top honors at a national K-9 competition, a testament to his skill and commitment.

Mayor Melvin Carter called him “a decorated leader whose heroism cements his legacy of compassionate service.” McArthur leaves behind his wife and two children, who now carry the memory of a man celebrated for both his bravery and his heart.

Retired Sergeant Don “Grundy” Grundhauser: A Family Legacy
The passing of Sergeant Don Grundhauser is equally painful for the department and community. Joining the St. Paul Police Department in 1994, he became the first of several family members to serve in the force. His two younger brothers, Mark and Keith, as well as one of his sons, followed in his footsteps and continue to serve today.

Known affectionately as “Grundy,” he was admired for his kindness, fairness, and sense of humor. A phrase he often repeated to colleagues was: “It doesn’t cost anything to be nice to someone.”

Grundhauser was diagnosed with cancer in July 2024, a battle he faced with courage, resilience, and faith. Despite the spread of the illness, he continued to make memories with his wife, Kelly, and their family. On his CaringBridge page, Kelly wrote: “Donny fought the hardest battle of his life… Even as the cancer spread through his body he kept showing up for us with strength, resilience and humor. He never stopped loving us. He never gave up hope.”

A proud St. Paul native, Grundhauser grew up in the Rice Street area and attended St. Bernard’s School. To many who knew him, he was a “Rice Street Legend,” someone whose roots and community spirit defined his approach to life and policing.

A Department in Mourning
The back-to-back losses have left the St. Paul Police Department shaken, but also united in grief and remembrance. Officers, city leaders, and community members have expressed condolences and shared stories of McArthur and Grundhauser, honoring their service and the values they embodied.

Both men leave behind families, colleagues, and communities forever changed by their lives and their passing. While their deaths bring immense sorrow, their legacies of service, kindness, and dedication will continue to inspire those who follow in their footsteps.