New Egypt, NJ – Plumsted Police Department Officer Joseph Engrassia died unexpectedly at his home on the morning of May 6, the department said.

Officer Engrassia, 23, joined the Plumsted Police Department on Dec. 3, 2015, and was a member of the Patrol Division, according to the agency’s Facebook post.

“Joe was highly respected within our department and was someone we all could depend on,” the department said. “Joe was more than a coworker to us here, he was a friend and brother to us all.”

Officer Engrassia began his law enforcement career in April of 2014, when he was appointed as a seasonal officer with the Seaside Heights Police Department, according to the agency aid in a Facebook post.

“Joey was a friend to many and a brother to all of us at the Department,” the Seaside Heights PD said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Engrassia family, his friends and co-workers during this difficult time.”

Officer Engrassia’s brother, Ocean Gate Officer Jason Marles, also began his law enforcement career at the Seaside Heights Police Department, the Berkeley Patch reported.

On Thanksgiving Day in 2010, Officer Marles died in a traffic collision, after he was struck by a drunk driver.

“My family has been through so much over these last few years after losing Jay and I’m sad to say that the world lost another beautiful soul, our ‘Joey,’” his sister, Samantha Marles said in a post. “Joey was an amazing son, brother, and friend… Not sure how to get through this again but please hold on to your love ones close you never know what tomorrow holds.”

A fundraising account has been established to assist Officer Engrassia’s family with unexpected funeral costs.

He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, according to his department.