Fairfield police, community mourn the loss of Officer James Ciampi, who battled cancer

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For weeks, Fairfield police and community members have rallied around 31-year-old Police Officer James Ciampi, urging him to be strong in the face of a cancer diagnosis. Today, they will be strong for each other as they come to terms with his death. "We regret to announce the untimely passing of Fairfield Police Officer James Ciampi, #94, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family," the Fairfield Police Department posted on its Facebook page Monday. "We thank the entire community for your support during this difficult time." As fellow officers and local residents organized fundraisers ranging from lemonade stands to the sale of shirts, police also honored their brother in blue with a sign outside police headquarters, spelling the word "Jimmy," adorned with flowers. They held prayers services, car washes and made signs that read #CiampiStrong, all in an effort to make sure Ciampi knew he was not fighting his battle alone. "We are there for Jimmy...His fight has become our fight," Fairfield Police Chief Anthony Manna told News 12 last month. The 31-year-old Fairfield native started his career with the Fairfield Police Department in 2016. In addition to his patrol duties, Ciampi worked with the junior police academy and the department’s Special Olympics Snow Bowl flag football team. Colleagues spoke of his dedication to the department as well as the community he served. "He saved lives. He's got meritorious service awards where you know he's gone above and beyond ... If we could have 50 Jimmy Ciampis on our department, we would take it in a heartbeat," Fairfield Officer Stacy Chiarolanza said in August. By Monday evening, tributes began pouring in from police departments throughout the state. Members of the Lyndhurst Police Department and PBA Local 202 were among those that joined a procession lining local streets to help escort Ciampi's body back to Fairfield in preparation for funeral services. "Officer Ciampi lost his courageous battle with cancer too soon," Lyndhurst police posted. Totowa police also posted on social media overnight, offering condolences to the officer's family and friends. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time," the post says. "Rest easy brother, we’ll take it from here." Information on funeral arrangements has not yet been released, but police say more information will be announced in the coming days. "