Crime & Safety
Plumsted, Seaside Mourning The Loss Of Young Police Officer
Young police officer worked in both departments, gofundme account created to help with funeral expenses.
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ - Family, friends and coworkers are reeling from the death of Plumsted Patrolman Joseph N. Engrassia III, whose End of Watch came on May 6. He 23.
"Joey was a friend to many and a brother to all of us in the department," according to a post on the Seaside Heights Police Department Facebook page. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Engrassi family, his friends and coworkers during this difficult time. We kindly ask that you keep comments to condolences, prayers or memories you would like to share out of respect for Joey's family and loves ones."
Engrassia began his career with Seaside Heights in April 2014 as a Class II seasonal officer. He was hired by the Plumsted Township Police Department in December of 2015.
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"Joe was highly respected within our department and was someone we all could depend on," a post on the Plumsted Police Department's Facebook page states. "Joe was more than a coworker to us here, he was a friend and brother to us all. We are devastated and saddened by this and our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family and friends during this difficult time. The department will have no further comment on this out of respect for Joe's family and loved ones."
Joseph's death was the second loss of a son for the Engrassia family. His stepbrother, Ocean Gate Patrolman Jason Marles died in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving 2010, when he was killed on the Garden State Parkway by a drunk driver.
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"Joe impacted countless people’s lives in a positive way and will be missed by many," according to the post on gofundme. "We are asking people to donate to help offset the funeral expenses Joe’s family has had to incur due to Joe's sudden unexpected passing. Joe was loved by many and will be missed by even more we hope this can help in some small way."
To donate to the gofundme account, click here. So far, $3,620 out of the $15,000 goal by 31 people in four hours.
Photo: Courtesy of gofundme.com. Logo: Plumsted Township police department.
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