'Kindness, Courage, Strength': LI First Responder Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer

SAYVILLE, NY — The emergency response community around Long Island is mourning the death of a dedicated police officer, EMT, 9/11 responder and community member.

Sayville's Jamie Atkinson, a retired police officer, died on June 27 after battling a rare cancer tied to his response at the World Trade Center following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He was 43.

In a social media post, Sayville's Community Ambulance Company paid tribute to Atkinson, writing: "We are so lucky to have someone like him a part of our community. He is the epitome of 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors', but Jamie always went beyond our standards to help anyone who needed it. His impact and selflessness will never be forgotten, instead a standard we will all aspire to be. Rest in peace, Jamie."

Atkinson's obituary reads: "Jamie Atkinson, a treasured figure in community service, law enforcement, and emergency response, passed away on June 27 at age 43 after battling a rare cancer tied to his response at the World Trade Center following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"At just 16, Atkinson began volunteering with the Community Ambulance Company in Sayville. Over nearly 30 years, he served in every capacity of leadership — from captain in 2006 and assistant chief in 2008–09, to chief of operations in 2010.

"Under his leadership, Community Ambulance Company received the Suffolk County REMSCO Award for EMS Agency of the Year for 2010. He later served as president, vice president and board member of Community Ambulance, which is the third-busiest EMS agency in Suffolk County.

"Under his direction, Sayville became the first Long Island community to deploy a town-wide public-access AED program. He also introduced the first nasal Narcan protocol to better tackle the opioid epidemic, and established Suffolk County’s first EMS controlled-substance program.

"After graduating from the NYPD Police Academy and obtaining Connecticut State Police certification, Atkinson served with the MTA Police Department. As a detective, he investigated more than 100 death cases, high-profile hate-crime and fraud cases, and public corruption.

"Atkinson earned a plethora of impressive distinctions — most notably MTA Police Officer of the Year, Nassau County Police Commissioners Detective of the Year, LIRR President’s Award and Investigator of the Year for the International Financial Crime Investigators Association.

"At 19, Atkinson was among the youngest responders at Ground Zero. Inhalation of toxic debris during search-and-rescue operations led to a rare form of cancer — diagnosed years later and officially linked to his 9/11 service.

"In 2019, Suffolk County appointed Atkinson as deputy coordinator for Emergency Services. He was instrumental in the county’s COVID‑19 'think tank' within the Emergency Operations Center and continued to lead responses to complex emergencies.

"He also served on multiple county boards: Child Fatality Review, Citizens Corps Council, Regional EMS Council and the Sheriff’s Advisory Board. Appointed by Congressman Andrew Garbarino, he participated in nominating candidates for U.S. service academies.

"Atkinson’s career included numerous community initiatives: prom-night safe rides, bicycle helmet drives and scholarships for youth, including support for the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation. He served on the board of trustees at the Lt. Michael P. Murphy Navel Seal Museum in West Sayville.

"Jamie is the epitome of service, kindness, courage and strength. He went above and beyond helping those in need and serving his community. His impact and selflessness will live on forever and will never be forgotten.

"Jamie is survived by his brothers, John Atkinson and his wife Jen, Brian Atkinson and his wife Hope, Daren Atkinson, Michael Atkinson and his wife Meredith, his nephews Hunter and Greyson, and his nieces Emily, Julia, Reese, and Maeve. He was predeceased by his parents Susan and Harold Atkinson."

Visitors will be received on Tuesday, July 1, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Raynor & D'Andrea Funeral Home in West Sayville where EMS service will begin at 7 p.m.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, July 2, at 10 a.m., at St. Lawrence RC Church in Sayville. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: LT. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Foundation or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.