Officer James Ciampi, often referred to as Jimmy, died Monday after a courageous battle with cancer. The Fairfield Police Department and the community are deeply saddened.
Raised in Fairfield, the 31-year-old officer joined the police force in October 2016 as a Class II Special Officer. In less than a year he was appointed a full-time officer.
For six months in 2022, Ciampi was a member of the Essex County Auto Theft Task Force, where he assisted in the arrest process throughout the county.
Ciampi was praised for his work several times during his short career. In addition to three unit citations and one for outstanding service, he earned four lifesaving citations.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognized him in 2018 for his efforts in the community.
Ciampi was one of three Fairfield police officers who assisted in subduing a suspect in April 2020 after the subject engaged in shooting and pointed a loaded weapon at officers. Ciampi was recognized for his bravery in this situation by the Fairfield Police Department and the 200 Club of Essex County, the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association, and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, among others.
He was also a physical education teacher and played a key role in running the department's junior police academy. He participated in the Special Olympics Snow Ball flag football team within the department.
“The officers and staff of the Fairfield Police Department have always taken pride in providing superior law enforcement services to those we are sworn to protect and serve,” Fairfield Police Chief Anthony G. Manna wrote on Facebook on Aug. 7, the day Ciampi died. . Mana informed the community a little over a month earlier. Our officers also make sure to be involved in the community at large. We have consistently benefited from the firm attitude and support of the public in return.”
The statement went on to say, “More than ever, we need your love, prayers, support and well wishes. It is with great sadness that I share that James Ciampi, one of our young, intelligent and dedicated officers, has been diagnosed with cancer. Due to his current illness, he is not Able to work and should focus solely on his recovery – a fight we are sure he will win.”
The department has organized various community fundraisers for Ciampi over the past few weeks. These included car washes and lemonade stands, as well as selling bracelets, t-shirts, balloons and bows.
Several nearby companies donated part of their profits to support him in his fight against cancer.
On August 9, a GoFundMe page was set up on behalf of the Ciampi family. Since then, he has amassed nearly $69,000.
A website called ciampistrong.com was launched by the department on August 19. It allowed community members and supporters of Ciampi to watch fundraising events, purchase merchandise, send well wishes and learn more about him.
Following the announcement of Ciampi's death on social media, hundreds of community members offered their condolences to the family and the Fairfield Police Department.
Fairfield Police stated on social media that details would be released in the coming days, although service information has not yet been released.
The department's announcement reads: “We are grateful to the community for your support during this difficult time.”
