Holly MatkinRamsey, NJ – Dumont Police Department (DPD) Sergeant James Flaherty died unexpectedly on Jan 27.
The 52-year-old sergeant was off-duty when he passed away at his home, the Bergen Record reported.
“It is with deep sadness to inform you of the passing of Dumont Police Sergeant James Flaherty Jr.,” the DPD said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
His exact cause of death was not released.
Sgt. Flaherty graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy in 1991, and worked for both Conrail and the Seaside Heights Police Department before he joined in DPD in September of 1995, the Bergen Record reported.
“The passing of Sergeant Flaherty is a tremendous loss to our police department, borough and community,” Dumont Mayor Andrew LaBruno said, according to the Daily Voice. “He served Dumont with pride for over 24 years [and] he built relationships and friendships with our residents and community.”
Over 100 people and law enforcement officers from more that a dozen surrounding communities gathered on Washington Avenue to salute the procession escorting Sgt. Flaherty’s body to the funeral home on Wednesday, the Daily Voice reported.
“Please keep him, his family and our Brothers and Sisters at the Dumont Police Department in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the department’s post read.
Sgt. Flaherty leaves behind his mother, Marlene, and his sister, Deidre, according to his obituary.
He will be laid to rest on Monday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dumont Police Department Sergeant James Flaherty, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.