Holly MatkinAtlanta, GA – Atlanta Police Department (APD) Officer Jamaine “Ja Cee” Chester died unexpectedly over the weekend, according to his department.
The 41-year-old officer’s body was discovered at his home on March 20, the Marietta Daily Journal reported.
The APD announced Officer Chester’s death in a press release on Tuesday.
Police noted foul play is not suspected and said his cause of yet has not yet been confirmed.
“Our hearts are broken,” the APD said. “The [APD Public Affairs Unit] PAU team, his Zone 5 co-workers (where he spent many years), and all who knew him, are struggling to manage the emotions of such a sudden loss.”
Officer Chester first joined the APD in June of 2006, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
He served the department for nine years before taking a job in the private sector in 2015, but he returned to the APD four years later and spent the rest of his life serving his community.
Officer Chester was most recently assigned to the PAU.
“We just saw him Friday evening in the office, our last words were ‘have a safe weekend, see you Monday,’” the APD said. “Little did we know, not only would we not see him on Monday, but we would also never see him again in his physical form. There is a message in this for all of us.”
The department described him as a “first class” officer who “wore his uniform with pride, took policing seriously, and he expected the best out of everyone.”
Officer Chester trained his fellow officers with enthusiasm and was a loving public servant and family man.
“He loved being a police officer, loved his colleagues, friends, and family,” the APD said. “He was compassionate, well-spoken, and he wore his heart on his sleeve. Chester was thoughtful, genuine, and kind.”
Officer Chester was “filled with light and energy” and especially enjoyed bringing snacks and treats to share with his colleagues, according to the APD.
“He smiled broadly as he poured chocolate bars and other sweets into the candy jar on the conference table and added other snacks like Lay’s chips and Gatorade drinks in the open space for all of us to enjoy,” the department fondly recalled.
Officer Chester left his mark on the hearts of all those who knew him.
“We will hold his memory tight to our chests. We will continue to share his impact on our lives and celebrate the time we were privileged to work with him and bask in his light. He made us better,” the APD said. “Physically, he is gone, but his sparkle, his infectious joy, and his almost perfect presentation will be with us forever. Rest well, Officer Chester. Job well-done sir. Until we meet again.”
Officer Chester will be laid to rest on April 23, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
APD Responds to the Passing of Officer Jamaine E. Chester https://t.co/cKjeE9nvgA pic.twitter.com/y2RwheC0z0
— Atlanta Police Department (@Atlanta_Police) March 22, 2022
The Council mourns the passing of Officer Jamaine E. Chester, who worked in the @Atlanta_Police Public Affairs Unit. pic.twitter.com/SkFWqeAm4E
— Atlanta City Council (@atlcouncil) March 23, 2022
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office sends its condolences an prayers to the family & colleagues of Officer Jamaine Chester & the City of Atlanta Police Department. Officer Chester unexpectedly passed away this past weekend. Please keep his family in your thoughts & prayers. pic.twitter.com/Ing8xM5bqA
— Gwinnett Sheriff's Office (@GwinnettSO) March 23, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Atlanta Police Department Officer Jamaine “Ja Cee” Chester, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
