Xu Zhe, a dedicated police officer, devoted 22 years of his life to cracking criminal cases in Tianjin. His career was marked by exceptional problem-solving skills, relentless dedication, and a deep commitment to justice. Xu's work ethic and effectiveness earned him the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of the community he served.

Born in November 1980, Xu joined the police force in 2002. In 2005, he became an officer in the criminal investigation detachment of the Tianjin Binhai New Area Public Security Bureau, now the Binhai branch of the Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau. It was in this role that he truly began to distinguish himself. That same year, Xu showcased his investigative prowess by successfully solving a major criminal case in Binhai New Area. He led a comprehensive investigation, traveling over 700 kilometers to Liaoyang, Liaoning province, to secure a crucial clue. Despite the technological limitations of the time, Xu managed to identify the suspect within just 18 hours, demonstrating remarkable intuition and determination.

Xu's impact extended beyond high-profile cases. In 2012, he solved a case involving a man in his 70s, surnamed Li, who had suffered leg fractures from a beating. Xu's diligent investigation led to the capture of the two suspects responsible. Li was so grateful for Xu's dedication that he sent holiday greetings to the officer every year for the next 11 years, a testament to the positive impact Xu had on the lives of ordinary citizens.

In February 2023, Xu was assigned to a major criminal case in Tianjin. Through meticulous analysis, he deduced that the suspect intended to flee to Bazhou, Hebei province. He accurately determined the suspect's escape route and led a team to successfully apprehend him. After seizing and interrogating the suspect, Xu located the stolen property, resolving the case in an impressive 26 hours. Ironically, it was during this investigation that Xu began experiencing symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as late-stage stomach cancer, including frequent stomachaches, fever, loss of appetite, and rapid weight loss.

Despite his deteriorating health, Xu remained dedicated to his work. Over the next 500 days, he underwent chemotherapy and visited the hospital more than 100 times. Nevertheless, he insisted on returning to his team to discuss challenging cases, determined to contribute as much as possible. He expressed a strong desire to return to his post and continue solving cases, wanting to make the most of his remaining time.

Tragically, Xu Zhe passed away from stomach cancer on September 15 of the previous year at the young age of 43. His death was a significant loss to the Tianjin police force and the community he served.

Li Hui, political commissar of the criminal investigation detachment of the Binhai branch of the Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau, spoke highly of Xu's courage and insight. He recalled being impressed by Xu from their first in-depth conversation. "Xu persevered no matter how hard the working conditions were. He loved this profession and this job so much," Li said. "He used to say all the value and pride of his life comes from cracking one case after another." During his career, Xu led his colleagues in cracking more than 1,100 criminal cases and capturing more than 900 suspects. His legacy of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to justice will continue to inspire those who knew him.