The sudden passing of Officer James Ciampi has been extremely hard for our entire community. When we say he was an exemplary officer, we meant it. Below are many notable achievements that Jimmy accomplished since he was hired as a full-time officer in 2017. Also attached are the arrangements made by his family. All are welcome to attend. Please see the graphic for details.
COMMENDATIONS & AWARDS
Officer Ciampi was the recipient of the following Fairfield Police Department commendations and awards:
Unit Citation (Presented January 29, 2018)- Presented for actions taken on Route 80 on November 17, 2017, in helping to apprehend a suspect that was in possession of a loaded handgun and a quantity of narcotics and who also pointed the gun at another motorist.
Lifesaving Award (Presented January 29, 2019)- Presented for the quick and decisive actions taken on January 20, 2019, to save the life of an 83-year-old township resident who was unconscious, unresponsive, and not breathing. After performing CPR, the victim began breathing on his own and became alert and oriented.
Lifesaving Award (Presented February 25, 2019)- Presented for the quick and decisive actions taken on January 25, 2019, to save the life of a 55-year-old male who was unconscious, unresponsive, and in cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Lifesaving Award (Presented on January 14, 2020)- For actions taken on August 21, 2019, in administering Naloxone to an unconscious female and which ultimately saved her life.
Meritorious Service (Presented February 10, 2020)- Presented in recognition for actions taken on March 29, 2020, in assisting the Denville Police Department in apprehending armed robbery suspects who had just robbed a Verizon store at gunpoint and for recovering the stolen merchandise.
Lifesaving Award (Presented February 10, 2021)- Presented for the quick actions taken on November 13, 2020, in performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on a non-responsive 36-year-old male which resulted in his life being saved.
Special Covid-19 Award (Presented February 10, 2021)- Presented in recognition of the dedication and brave service provided to the citizens of Fairfield during the 2020 Coronavirus global pandemic by unselfishly putting yourself at serious health risk to assure the protection and assistance of others.
Unit Citation (Presented January 24, 2022)- Presented for actions taken on January 19, 2021, in assisting in the arrest of an armed motorist who had just fired several rounds in the direction of others.
Unit Citation (Presented January 24, 2022) Presented for actions taken on July 4, 2021, in assisting with the search and ultimate apprehension of a suspect in numerous catalytic converter thefts in Fairfield and who fled the scene of a motor vehicle stop.
Gallantry Star (Presented January 24, 2022)- Presented for an act of bravery on April 26, 2020, by suppressing the threat posed by a motorist who led police on a motor vehicle pursuit and then who ultimately pointed a loaded handgun at officers posing a threat to the welfare of the community and to the officers.
Officer Ciampi received the following recognitions by the Fairfield Police Department:
Emergency Response Team Member:
In 2023, Officer Ciampi had been selected as a member of Fairfield’s Emergency Response Team. This is a group of highly trained Fairfield Officers who are called to assist on higher level calls throughout the town and county.
Officer of the month:
January, 2019 – Officer Ciampi was recognized as the officer of the month in January, 2019. He led the department in all categories, case activity, calls, arrests, summonses and motor vehicle stops. He was also commended with two life saving awards in which both people were revived with CPR.
January, 2020 – Officer Ciampi was again recognized as the officer of the month in January, 2020. He led the department in calls, arrests, summonses and motor vehicle stops.
Narcotics Arrests:
In 2019, Officer Ciampi lead the department with 11 narcotics arrests. He was invited to attend the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association annual training conference in Atlantic City, NJ.
MADD Award:
In June, 2019, Officer Ciampi was awarded the Mother’s Against Drunk Driving Award for having the most driving while intoxicated arrests in the Township of Fairfield in 2018. He received the award at Rutgers University along with other officers throughout the state.
Essex County Auto Theft Task Force:
In March, 2022, Officer Ciampi was re-assigned to the Essex County Auto Theft Task Force to help combat the stolen car epidemic. He spent approximately six months in the unit where he assisted other members in this mission.
Essex County 200 Club Award:
On May 10, 2022, Officer Ciampi received an Extraordinary Valor Award from the 200 Club of Essex County for an incident that occurred on April 26, 2020, by suppressing the threat posed by a motorist who led police on a motor vehicle pursuit and then who ultimately pointed a loaded handgun at officers posing a threat to the welfare of the community and to the officers.
Snow Bowl for Special Olympics NJ:
Officer Ciampi participated with “Fairfield’s Finest” in the Snow Bowl for Special Olympics NJ every year since the team was established in 2018. This event helped to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics NJ.
Plane Pull for Special Olympics NJ:
Officer Ciampi participated as a member of “Fairfield’s Finest” in the Plane Pull for Special Olympics NJ. This event helps to raise money for Special Olympics, NJ, and consists of teams who pull a 90,000-pound plane 12-feet for the fastest time.
In 2018, “Fairfield’s Finest” was the first ever overall champions of the most amount of money donated, fasted pull (20 people per team), and fastest pull (lightest overall weight). Officer Ciampi, along with 5 others, were capable of pulling the Boeing 737 the fastest to win this event.
Junior Police Academy Instructor:
In 2019, 2022, and 2023, Officer Ciampi was an integral part of the Fairfield Junior Police Academy. He was an instructor who helped to keep the cadets in shape.
Essex County Police Academy Physical Fitness Instructor:
Officer Ciampi became a police academy instructor and instructed physical fitness at the Essex County Police Academy.
In closing, we thank the community for the overwhelming support that has been received since the announcement was made of his illness. To Jimmy; you are loved and respected by so many people. Thank you for being you. Rest easy now that you are at peace.
“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper”
Isaiah 54:17
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