UNION CITY–The Union City Police Department lost another officer in a multi-vehicle crash Thursday, according to a department press release.
At 6:30 p.m. July 27, both Union City and North Bergen police responded to a multi-vehicle accident on Kennedy Boulevard and 22nd Street. Union City Police Officer John Kamel, 26, was en-route to work and was involved in the accident. He passed away from his injuries shortly afterwards, per the release.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Union City Police Department announces the sudden passing of Police Officer John Kamel #433,” reads a tribute to Kamel, posted to the department’s Facebook page Friday morning.
Kamel graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy in 2013, per the posting.
He had been working walking patrols for the UCPD, and was said to enjoy his face to face contact with the community, often chatting with locals during his shift, the press release said. Kamel had served as a UCPD officer for four years and six months.
“I am in complete disbelief over the passing of PO John Kamel,” Union City Mayor Brian Stack said in a statement. “The loss of John is tragic and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
“The passing of PO John Kamel is tragic and heartbreaking,” added Chief Richard Molinari.” John’s love for the job was evident, and his loss will be felt by the entire community.”
Kamel’s death marks the third in seven months for the department. Officer Ricardo Fernandez suddenly passed away in December. In May, Lt. Mark Zeitounian perished in a car accident.
“To John’s mother Reda “Helen” and father Sami, we thank you for John. As you know, John loved being a police officer in Union City. Please know that he served the people of Union City, his neighbors, well as a faithful and dedicated member of our department,” the tribute reads.
The Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, are investigating the accident.
