James Ciampi Death, Obituary: The Fairfield Police Department and community are mourning the loss of award-winning Officer James ‘Jimmy’ Ciampi who died after battling cancer
Officer James Ciampi, often known as Jimmy, passed away on Monday following a courageous fight with cancer. The Fairfield Police Department and the community are in deep sadness.
Growing up in Fairfield, the 31-year-old officer enlisted in the police force in October 2016 as a Class ll special officer. In less than a year, he was appointed as 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 all around the county.
Ciampi received praise for his work several times throughout his short career. In addition to three unit citations and one for exceptional service, he was awarded 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 that assisted in neutralizing a suspect in April 2020 after the subject had engaged in gunfire and was pointing a loaded weapon at the officers. Ciampi was recognized for his courage in that situation by the Fairfield Police Department and the 200 Club of Essex County, the New Jersey State Policemen’s 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 managing the department’s junior police academy. He participated in the Special Olympics Snow Bowl flag football squad inside the department.
“The officers and staff of the Fairfield Police Department have always prided themselves in providing premier law enforcement services to those we have sworn to protect and serve,” wrote Fairfield Police Chief Anthony G. Manna on Facebook on August 7, the day Ciampi passed away. Manna had made this announcement to the community just over a month earlier. Our officers also make it a point to be interwoven in the community at large. We have consistently benefited from the public’s steadfast regard and support in exchange.”
The statement went on, saying, “More than in the past, we need your love, prayers, support, and best wishes. It is with great sadness that I reveal James Ciampi, one of our young, intelligent, and devoted officers, has received a cancer diagnosis. Due to his current state of illness, he is unable to work and must focus solely on his recuperation—a fight we are confident he will win.”
The department organized various community fundraisers for Ciampi during the past few weeks. These included car washes and lemonade stands, as well as the sale of bracelets, T-shirts, balloons, and bows.
A number of nearby companies donated a portion of their earnings to support him in his battle with cancer.
On August 9, a GoFundMe page was set up on the Ciampi family’s behalf. Since then, it has amassed almost $69,000.
A website called ciampistrong.com was launched by the department on August 19. It allowed community members and supporters of Ciampi to view fundraising events, purchase goods, send well wishes, and learn more about him.
Following the announcement of Ciampi’s death on social media, hundreds of community people condoled with the family and the Fairfield Police Department.
The Fairfield Police Department stated on social media that specifics will be released in the coming days, although service information has not yet been disclosed.
The department’s message read, “We are grateful to the community for your support during this trying time.”