Holly MatkinChula Vista, CA – Chula Vista Police Department (CVPD) Agent Jasen Cunningham died on Oct. 5 after “a long and heroic battle” against cancer, according to his department.
The 47-year-old agent had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a stomach cancer, months earlier, but was doing well earlier this fall, Chula Vista Police Officers’ Association (POA) President David Martinez said in a Facebook post on Sept. 21.
“After many months of fighting his battle with cancer at the hospital and at home, he returned to work as a Motor Officer and SWAT Team Member,” Martinez wrote. “Unfortunately shortly after returning to work it was discovered his cancer has returned in a much more aggressive and debilitating form.”
Agent Cunningham went into home-based hospice care at that time, and spent his final weeks “surrounded by his family and friends,” Martinez said.
The CVPD announced the veteran agent’s death in a Facebook post on Oct. 5.
“It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of a member of our @ChulaVistaPD family, Agent Jasen Cunningham, after a long and heroic battle with cancer,” the CVPD said. “He passed away today surrounded by family and loved ones.”
Agent Cunningham, a married father of five, served eight years of “distinguished service” in the U.S. Marine Corps prior to joining the CVPD 15 years ago, the department noted.
“Father. Marine. Servant. Hero. Wishing peace and blessings. Your brothers & sisters will truly miss you!” the CVPD’s post read.
A fundraising page established to help Agent Cunningham’s family in the wake of their loss has raised over $31,000 so far.
“We will never forget you. Thank you for your service, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, community, and department during their time of mourning,” the California Police Chiefs Association said in a Facebook post on Oct. 6. “Rest easy Brother, we got it from here. Thank you for your courage and bravery, you are an inspiration!”
Hearfelt condolences to our sisters and brothers at @ChulaVistaPD. We mourn with you and trust that his memory and service will never be forgotten. https://t.co/K0g1eh5uWC
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) October 6, 2020
Our thoughts are with @ChulaVistaPD and the family and friends of Agent Jasen Cunningham. Agent Cunningham passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. #RIP #EOW pic.twitter.com/dfjEzPx8c8
— ATF Los Angeles (@LosAngelesATF) October 6, 2020
Prayers for you Brother
— Danny McDonald (@mcdonaldm17) September 22, 2020
Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner and the men and women of the San Diego Division of the FBI extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Agent Jasen Cunningham, and our partners at the Chula Vista Police Department, as they grieve his loss. pic.twitter.com/Z2bnbB0unu
— FBI San Diego (@FBISanDiego) October 6, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family Chula Vista Police Department Agent Jasen Cunningham, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
