Madison Police Captain Joe Cirella, 47, Dies From Cancer

MADISON, N.J. – Captain Joseph Cirella of the Madison Police Department succumbed to his months-long battle with colon cancer, Chief Darren Dachisen announced.

Cirella was diagnosed with colon cancer in September and was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain shortly thereafter.

Cirella is survived by a wife and three children and began his work with the Madison Police Department on Feb. 13, 1989 after working for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

Cirella began his career as an undercover police officer performing narcotics investigations. He spent several years in the detective bureau before he was promoted to sergeant in 2002. He was then promoted to detective sergeant in 2006, and lieutenant in 2013.

According to the police department:

“Captain Cirella loved his job and made every attempt to return to work after being diagnosed with cancer. During his last hours, a nurse at Morristown Medical Center asked Joe if wanted anything; his response: “I just want to go back to work.”

We will remember Joe as a great cop, a mentor, a devoted father, husband and above all, a friend.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when they are made.