Holly MatkinWilliamstown, NJ – New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Lieutenant Jason “Jay” Innella died on April 27 following a year-long battle against cancer.
“It is with great sadness that the New Jersey State Police announces the passing of Lieutenant Jason Innella #5605,” the NJSP said in a press release on April 29.
The 48-year-old lieutenant joined the NJSP as a member of the 117th State Police Class on Oct. 3, 1997.
He spent the next 23 years serving the agency in various different roles.
Lt. Innella was assigned to the Special Operations Sections for over 15 years, and was a member of the TEAMS Unit during that time, the NJSP said.
“As a supervisor, Lt. Innella was a strong advocate for tactical training and was always looking for ways to improve the operations of the unit with the ultimate goal of the safety and well-being of its members,” according to his department.
Lt. Innella held other positions within the Regional Operations and Intelligence Center Section and the Field Operations Section, and was serving as a Marine Services Bureau operations officer at the time of his death.
“Jason was a respected and honored Lieutenant with the New Jersey State Police for 23 years,” his obituary read. “He was a devoted husband and father and a beloved friend to so many. There was never a task too big or small that Jay wouldn’t tackle with all his heart and soul.”
Lt. Innella leaves behind his wife, Amy, and his sons, Anthony and Michael.
He is also survived by his parents, grandmother, siblings, in-laws, nephew, nieces, and many friends and extended family members.
“Please keep the Innella family in your prayers during this difficult time,” the NJSP said.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Jason “Jay” Innella, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.