Mayor Brian P. Stack and Union City Police Chief Nichelle Luster offer condolences and statements on the passing of Union City Captain James D’Andrea
(UNION CITY, NEW JERSEY) –In the afternoon of August 20, 2020, Union City Police Captain James D’Andrea passed away after an 8 year battle with cancer. Captain D’Andrea was a veteran of the Union City Police Department with over 25 years of service and just 12 days shy of his official retirement date of September 1, 2020. The entire city and Union City Police Department is in mourning to learn of Captain D’Andrea’s passing.
“The hearts of all of Union City are heavy today with the news of the passing of Captain James D’Andrea,” said Mayor Brian P. Stack. “James always had a calm and kind demeanor and displayed care for all the residents of Union City. He was a consummate professional and took so much pride in serving the public. His contributions to the city and to the Union City Police Department will be his lasting legacy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the D’Andrea family and friends and all the men and women of the Union City Police Department.”
Prior to his service with the Union City Police Department, Captain D’Andrea honorably served in the United States Air Force. On January 18, 1995, Captain D’Andrea joined the police department and later graduated from the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Union, New Jersey on June 6, 1995.
During his time in the police department, Captain D’Andrea achieved the rank of Sergeant in 1999, Lieutenant in 2008 and Captain in 2018. He served in the Patrol Division, Office of Professional Standards, Communications Division, and Bureau of Internal Affairs and served as the Details and Grants Coordinator. Throughout his career, Captain D’Andrea received many awards and commendations during his tenure, which spoke volumes of his character and credentials.
“Words cannot express the loss felt by the Union City Police Department with the passing of Captain James D’Andrea,” said Chief Nichelle Luster. “James courageously fought cancer for 8 years. The love for his family and friends served as his motivation to fight until his passing. James was a truly unique and intellectual person. He had a dry and understated wit and left an impression on everyone who worked with him. I can speak for the entire Union City Police Department when I say that fond memories of James will remain in our hearts forever.”
