By Police1 Staff
CARNEYS POINT TWP., N.J. — Citizens of Carneys Point Township are deeply saddened at the sudden loss of their police chief.
Chief of Police Edmund Spinelli Jr., who was 45, died sometime between late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, according to NJ Live. He appeared to suffer a heart attack at home, sources said, but the cause of death has not been officially determined.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, as well as with his family at the police department,” Carneys Point Mayor Wayne Pelura said. “This is a tragic loss for his family, the Carneys Point Police Department, and all residents of Carneys Point.”
Spinelli began his 23-year career in law enforcement in 1988, when he joined the New Jersey State Police. He served with several departments in the Patrol and Detective divisions before becoming Carneys Point Township’s sixth police chief in 2006.
Police praised his integrity and leadership, stating that they have lost both a chief and a friend.
“He was a great guy ... a great father, and great chief,” Pennsville Township Chief of Police Bruce Maahs said. “This is just very shocking. He was in great shape — I saw him at the gym all the time. He’s the last guy you’d expect something like this to happen to.”
Spinelli leaves behind his wife, Jean, and four children, Alexa, 11; Amanda, 18; Justin, 22; and Frank Marazini, 28.
On Wednesday American flag outside the Carneys Point Municipal Building was lowered to half-staff in his honor. Funeral arrangements are pending.