Longtime Jersey City Police Officer Dies

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Jersey City officials are mourning a longtime police officer who died this week.

Johnny Mack had served on the force for 21 years, officials said.

A city spokesperson confirmed that he was an active police officer at the time of his death, and that his death was not work related.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jersey City Police Officer Johnny Mack," said Mayor James Solomon on Thursday. "Officer Mack dedicated 21 years of service to this city, and that commitment to our community is deeply appreciated."

He added, "The men and women of our police force form a tight-knit family, and I know this loss is felt deeply across the entire department. My thoughts are with the Officer Mack’s family and friends."

Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose and Police Chief Robert Kearns noted that Mack's father had served on the force.

They said, in a joint statement, "The JCPD family is heartbroken by the untimely passing Officer Mack who served this city with dedication and pride since joining the JCPD in 2005.

"Following in the footsteps of his father, a retired Jersey City Police Officer, Officer Mack spent much of his career on midnight patrol in the East District, also serving in the North and most recently in the South. On behalf of the Department of Public Safety, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, friends, and fellow officers."

City officials declined to release further information about Mack's death.

"The world is dimmer without you, but your legacy is etched in the lives you protected," wrote a friend on social media.

Information about services was not immediately available.